James Stabile Informational Newsletter February 2004

Discussion of the Month

February 2004! The second month of the year. 2004 is in full swing. How about those New Year resolutions? Have you kept any of them? Do you even remember them? As for me, yes on both counts.

Lets review:

1. "Buy some new clothes. Clothes that actually fit me." Done that. Well, actually I'm working on this one. I've bought some new dress pants, in my right size. They look fine, but feel a little odd. They actually fit me. Not baggy, when I buckle my belt the waist doesn't bunch up. Now my colleagues at work are asking me how I lost weight over the holidays? Actually I didn't lose any weight. I look like I did because I am now wearing pants that fit me. I just look at them and smile. They don't need to know the truth. After all, I'm not lying to them. I'm just not commenting. I bought new T-shirts and underwear. They fit to a tee. And they feel so good. Haven't had an uncomfortable feeling for weeks. This resolution is still a work in progress. Next step, another pair of pants or two and new shoes. One day at a time.

2. "Once a week I will do some light dusting of furniture, etc, run the vacuum and clean the bathrooms." I'm getting there. The first week of the new year I did do the vacuuming. The second week I did the dusting and the bathrooms. I do hate the bathrooms! But they must be done. I think I will revise this second resolution. Every two weeks I will do some light dusting of furniture, etc, run the vacuum and clean the bathrooms. Yea, that's it every two weeks. Every week was just too much. Too much for me. Also, the house didn't need a light cleaning every week. I'm the only person who lives here. My doors and windows are usually closed, the A/C is on all the time. The place doesn't even get dusty in two weeks. That's it...every two weeks. I can live with that.

3. "Do some home improvements." Well, I did replace my A/C filter, just today (January 10) as a matter of fact. I've been looking at furniture ads. I've been perusing the local Home Depot. However, I'm just not ready to invest the capital. At least I am looking and planning. Some day I will start the home improvements, but not today. Maybe I will transfer this resolution to 2005. Yea, that's what I'll do. In 2005 I will start renovations. I will start with the kitchen, then the patio. Oh boy I'm excited now.

How did your resolutions go? If you are like most people, the resolutions are memories by now. We all mean well, but we are people. It's not our fault. Life gets in the way. It's fun to make the resolutions. The really important changes one must make in life will happen. It's a personal decision.

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Some February dates worth noting:

2. Groundhog Day
Midge Birthday
12. Abraham Lincoln Birthday
14. Valentine's Day
Patti and Don's Anniversary
16. Presidents' Day
17. Debbie Birthday
20. Don Birthday
22. George Washington Birthday
25. Ash Wednesday
29. Leap Year day

Entertainment

Is "the king of pop" a pedophile? I don't know. That is the decision of the court of law that will hear his case. One thing is for sure, Michael Jackson is an odd duck. That's an understatement to say the least. The guilt or innocence of Michael Jackson rests with the California judicial system. Hopefully he will get a fair and equitable trial. Hopefully his celebrity status will not hinder the judicial process.

It's too bad that such a successful, self-made man has such problems to deal with in his life. However, these problems may be in part his own doing. It's very obvious that Michael Jackson is a very talented and successful entertainer. He has single-handedly changed the music industry. He has influenced the contemporary music industry as much as Elvis, the Beetles or any music phenomena. Has his success led him down the path of destruction?

Some may say Michael Jackson's childhood adversely affected his adult condition in life. Some may say his well deserved fame is a factor in his potential demise. Some may say the bigger they are the harder they fall. All of these beliefs may be true.

Michael Jackson has never really grown up. He hasn't reverted to adolescence behavior; he has never developed into an adult thinking individual. He has never developed the capacity to think as an adult. He views the world as a child. Or does he?

Maybe this is an excuse. Maybe he is using this pretense to engage in child molestation. This could be a well thought out and developed comprehensive plan to hide his pedophile behavior. He is a shrewd businessman. He has attained fame beyond limits. Perhaps he has cleverly created this never, never land syndrome to protect and conceal his true being. That being - a pedophile.

The eventual fate of Michael Jackson will be determined by the California judicial system. On a higher order, his fate will be determined by the laws of nature and by the laws of God. May the correct decision be made concerning the fate of Michael Jackson. If he is guilty, then so be it. If he is innocent of the pedophile charge, then he needs extensive reality counseling. In any case, Michael Jackson is an odd duck.

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I saw Cheaper by the Dozen at the show on the King Holiday. It was a very funny movie. How could a Steve Martin film be anything but funny. I don't really care for his slapstick type of comedy, but this movie was a little different. I found it very funny. Not so much because of Steve Martin, but due to the other characters in the movie. Bonny Hunt was great. I have grown to appreciate Bonnie Hunt as an actress. I enjoy watching her show on ABC Friday nights. TGIFriday on ABC is back and it's great. I know I digress a bit, but I love the ABS Friday night lineup. Back to the movie, Cheaper by the Dozen, the children in the movie are priceless. They truly make the movie. Hilary Duff is her usual "Barbie" character, "Oh My God". She is such a Barbie girl. Ashton Kutcher puts in a good showing. By the way, he doesn't make the cut in the family. The younger kids are so cute and funny. As I heard one man commenting to his wife and children while leaving the theater, "it was a feel good movie". It sure was. It made having a "big family" O.K. The major lesson in the movie, family is everything, happiness doesn't come from outside the family it comes from being a member of a big family. The movie is a remake of the 1950's movie and the TV series of the same name. Family values at their best, with a 21st century flair. View the Trailor.

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Health & Fitness

January doctor's visit was fine. Blood pressure is now under control. I don't have to go back to my family doctor until April. I have an appointment with my dermatologist February 3. I have a few more moles that need treatment. Everything seems to be going fine. Weight is being maintained. February 9 will be one year since I lost my initial 40 lbs. I'm planning to lose another 10 to 15 lbs. starting this February 9. If successful, that will put me where I was back in 1992. 180lbs - 185lbs seems to be my ideal weight, at least from my perspective.

Lent starts on February 25. That's a great time to deal with those extra calories that most people pick up during the holidays and those lazy winter months. If you do it during lent you get two for the price of one - lose weight and make a sacrifice for lent. You will feel better in a variety of ways. Lent, already, we just celebrated Christmas. Time moves on.

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A scary thought, last week I saw an episode of 60 Minutes 2 on CBS about the discovery of new viruses in the world. They said that we are discovering viruses that have been around for thousands of years. They are making their presence known primarily because of man's selfishness and exploration. Man is threatening the existence of rain forests, jungles, etc. by developing those sections of the world. Viruses are present in those remote areas and are being spread by man's intrusion. They said that in the late 1990's a very deadly virus was discovered in Africa or some such place. Deadly because it kills 40% of the hosts that it infects. They wiped it out in the remote area by studying it's location and eventual spread. It originally infected mangos which were eaten by bats, the bats dropped bits of the fruit on pig farms which infected the pigs, the pigs passed it on to humans. They said that the new viruses that are being discovered are not new at all, just not known about, yet.

That is the scary part. In the future the thing that scientists will be concerned about is fighting these undiscovered "new" viruses. Viruses that may be much more deadly than SARS. How do we defend ourselves? We are all vulnerable. A terrorist could release a virus in a heavily populated area, many people would immediately lose their lives. It would spread like the common cold, or worse. The future poses all sorts of health risks, but we are resourceful. We will survive.

Politics

I was lying in bed this morning thinking about what I was going to do today. You see today is the Martin Luther King Holiday. I'm off work. It's kind of like the Jewish Holidays for me. I know these are special days. I know that these days are very important for certain people, but I really can't say they mean a lot to me. I now know how Jewish people must feel about Christmas and the Christian Holidays - glad to be off work, but not sure of the significance of the day.

I first felt the significance of the King Holiday back in the early 70's. I was a young, eager and enthusiastic novice teacher. I was working in Youngstown. January rolled around and we had that Monday off work. At the time, the King Holiday was a state holiday for Ohio. I don't think it was a National Holiday, yet. I was glad to be off work that day. Most people I knew had to work. Any day off work is a thrill. One with no church or family obligation associated with it was just heaven. As the years rolled on more and more significance was given to that Monday in January. Soon it became a National Holiday. Today our entire country celebrates that Monday in January.

What is the significance of the day? Is it only an African-American Holiday? Why don't we have an Italian-American day, an Irish-American Day or a Chinese-American Day? What about a Russian-American Day? If America is the so called melting pot as it was in the early days of our country, why do we celebrate our differences so dramatically unequally? Why should African-Americans get their own day?

I know people will say it's not an African-American Day, it's a day for all ethnic groups to celebrate the life of a great American - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fair enough. Dr. King was a great man. He worked and died for freedom. The freedom of all people. Remember his I Have a Dream speech. A great speech, a great message, a great man. Dr. King gave his life just as our forefathers gave their lives so Americans could be free. Just as all those brave young men and women gave their lives in all those wars for freedom throughout our history across the globe. Just like the 500+ American military who have given their lives today in the war in Iraq.

There's one difference in Dr. King's mission. The mission was born out of discrimination of one group of people, African-Americans. Dr. King started his mission to deliver his people from discrimination. A worthy goal indeed. As President Abraham Lincoln stated at Gettysburg, "Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal...". Yes, all men are created equal. I guess that is what we celebrate on that Monday in January.

Now for the real reason for this discussion of the King Holiday. Or as Paul Harvey would say, now "the rest of the story". Notice the category that this discussion is in, yes, Politics. The reason for the day - politics. I'm probably showing my skepticism and my Dean-like behavior, but that Monday in January is just politics. Everything that is done in Washington is for political ends. Give 'em a day to call their own, a day for celebrations and parades and then everything will be all right. I don't think so.

One day in January is not enough. It will not do the trick. We need to celebrate the equality of all people and freedom every day that we are alive. The King Holiday should be a day for all Americans. It should be a day of celebration of all people in this great land. It should be a day of celebration for any group of people who is discriminated against. It should be a day to seek injustices in our current society and put an end to them. It should be a day of appreciation of the differences among we, the people. We are great not in spite of these differences, but because of them.

We are still the great melting pot. We share many qualities, but we share the fact that we have many differences, too. All Americans, all people should have the basic human rights described in the Constitution of the United States of America. This day is a great day. Dr. King was a great man. The United States of America is a great country. Let's work to keep it that way.

Politics is not always bad. Politics has to do with the selection process used in choosing our leaders. It should never be confused with government. In these trying times the difference between politics and government is blurred. It seems that politics infiltrates all aspects of government. It seems that politics is turning out to be the "end" not the "means" of government. Politics should be the method of electing our leaders not the process of governing our country.

Political leaders need to understand the reason for the season, so to speak. The reason should be to live in freedom, liberty. Governing this great land should be concerned with maintaining this freedom and our Constitutional Rights. Politics has no place in this process. The decisions made in governing should not be affected by politics. This is the major obstacle in today's world. Government without politics must be a standard to achieve. We will never be perfect, but we must always strife for perfection.

So let us celebrate the great American Holidays, after all we are Americans. Let us celebrate that Monday in January just as we celebrate the Monday in February (Presidents' Day), the summer American Holidays, the 11th of November, Pearl Harbor Day in December, as well as all the other truly great American Holidays. As we celebrate let us shout across this great land the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last".

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The Primary/Caucus season has begun. Now this is politics. From the first caucuses and primary in the Nation until Election Day in November we should be actively engaged in the political process. The election of a new president is our prime objective. During this process, people from all political parties will be working to elect their candidate. In November we will choose our leaders. After the election governing will commence. It will commence, if we have no election problems.

Remember the 2000 presidential election? How could we forget. The Florida vote, what a farce. Then candidate George W. Bush was certified as the winner of Florida's electoral votes by a mere 500+ votes. He was elected to the office of president by a couple of electoral votes. Actually the Supreme Court of the United States of America handed down the decision that enabled Bush to declare the victory.

Let's not rehash the 2000 vote. We've been there, done that, but just one comment. I heard on CNN the other day that if the then Vice President Gore would have asked for a recount in every county of Florida, he would have won the election. Gore asked for a recount in the 3 South Florida counties and a few other Democratic strongholds. In an independent investigation it was determined that the counties that were Republican strongholds had more ballots in question and a recount would have proven successful for Gore. One news commentary said that if the Palm Beach County butterfly ballot had not taken place, Gore would have taken the state of Florida and be president today. The day after the 2000 presidential election, Vice President Gore should have asked for a total state of Florida recount. Of course this view is a Democratic view. Republicans and the supporters of George W. Bush have a different take on the story, I'm sure.

Let's try again this November. We can try, but even now there are still imminent election day problems. In the January special election in South Florida a candidate won a seat in the Florida State Legislature by a mere 12 or so votes. A recount was ordered, but the new electronic voting machines had no hardcopy results to count. They could not have a recount because the machines had no paper ballot results. This is ridiculous. Florida Congressman Robert Wexler -D has sued the State of Florida over the issued. His lawsuit contends that the electronic voting machines be tooled for a hardcopy of results. I think this is warranted. There must be a way of recounting the votes. This situation is a "perfect storm" for election fraud. We do not need these kinds of problems. We are Americans. We the United States of America should be the world model for free, open and equitable elections.

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What about the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary? In a word, exciting. I slept on my chair all night Monday, January 16 the night of the Iowa Caucuses. I woke up several times during the night to gaze at the TV. I couldn't believe Senator Kerry's surprising win. And then the New Hampshire Primary, another tense night. Given the results of the Iowa Caucuses, I wasn't surprised with the results. The question can Senator Kerry keep up the momentum?

Actually I'm leaning more towards Senator John Edwards of North Carolina for the Democratic candidate for president. I believe Senator Edwards will have a much better chance to defeat President George W. Bush in the November Presidential Election. Senator Edwards is currently leading in the polls for the South Carolina Primary on February 3. I believe by the middle of
February the Democratic race will be between 2 people, Kerry and Edwards. As I have said, Edwards is my first choice, but I could enthusiastically support Kerry as well.

Edwards is a southern Democrat. I feel that to defeat President Bush the Democratic nominee must capture some of the southern states. I believe Edwards could do that very thing. Edwards is young, in fact he is in his first senate term. This may be a potential stumbling block. However, I believe he could be a very strong candidate against the President. Edwards seems sincere and truly concerned with the plight of the middle class. As he has said many times on the political stump, "I am one of you" and "there are two America's, one for the wealthiest of the wealthy and one for everyone else". He purports to want to change the inequities of the "American way".

He was born of simple means, but he has become a millionaire as a result of being a very successful trial attorney. He has spent a good deal of his professional life as a defender of people and children against their inequitable situations in life. He has demonstrated his commitment to the betterment of the poor, the abused and the forgotten.

Throughout this Democratic Primary season, John Edwards has conducted himself in the most professional manner. He does not employ "attack" politics. He does not tear down his Democratic opponents; rather, he presents his platform - simple and to the point. He does point out the problems, inconsistencies and the true nature of the Bush administration. He will be a sincere, committed and formidable political adversary of the current Republican president.

Edwards is my first choice for the Democratic nomination; however, if Senator Kerry captures the nomination, I will enthusiastically support him in his bid for the presidency. I am sorry to say that Kerry will be portrayed as the "liberal from Massachusetts". I don't know if he will play well in the south. I think he could do it, but it will be a struggle to capture those electoral votes.

In the political fight for the White House Kerry brings experience in foreign affairs, homeland security and fiscal economic matters. He knows how the congress and government work. Throughout his professional life he has worked for the disadvantaged. He has fought against special interest groups and the disparity in government. He will be a strong candidate and give President Bush a real presidential debate. However, that "liberal" label will hurt him.

The really good news - I see the Democratic nomination contest not being decided until the convention in August. This hasn't happened in many, many years. A real political contest. The excitement.

Religion & Spiritualism

Not to much to report on in the Religion & Spiritualism section. I guess we can look forward to the beginning of Lent. As I mentioned in Health & Fitness Lent is an ideal time to restart that faltering diet. We have forty days to fast and pray. Yes, we should be devoting time to our reflections of the Lenten season, but we can spend that time getting in shape physically, too. Remember the start of Spring is almost here. Summer is right around the corner. You want to wear those summer fashions. At least you want to remove those bulky sweaters, sweatshirts and sweatpants because of the heat if for no other reason. So offer these hardships to the Lord Jesus during these forty days of Lent.

All kidding aside, Lent is the time for preparing oneself for the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Easter Sunday is the day that our faith is substantiated. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus gives proof to our faith. It proves the divinity of the Lord Jesus. As Christians, we share in this resurrection. Through the mysteries of Holy Week and the Easter season, we as Christians share in this eternal life offered by our God.

If we really believe these things, can the day to day frustrations that we all experience be so important. Our problems in life, are they really problems. If we truly believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, why do we make small insignificant things in life so paramount. Even death should not be a problem for people of faith. Perspective, that is the secret.

We are humans, so life's frustrations, conflicts and obstacles do matter to us. We live in the real world. We are not in heaven at this moment. Yes, heaven is promised to those who keep His commandments, but the process is not easy. It wasn't designed to be easy, but we have the capabilities and resources to make it through this existence. That is God's promise.

The most important thing to remember in all of this, we are not in heaven, yet. God expects us to be people, human beings. We are expected to make mistakes. we are not perfect. I really believe that God is more of an observer in our lives than a player. Make no mistake, God is the boss, so to speak, but he allows each of us to direct our own path to Him. In other words, one size does not fit all. Each of us is an unique being in the eyes of God. Each of us chooses his or her own way in life. That way is not always perfect. Do not fear God. God does not keep a tally book. God does not hold us hostage. God is perfect love. We are imperfect, striving for that perfect love.

The Lenten season is about to start. Let us start the season with a renewed commitment to love God and one another. Actually, that is all that God asks of us. Everything else comes from that love.

Tech Talk

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail from supposedly Earthlink, my DSL provider. The e-mail appeared to be genuine. The e-mail was formatted with the usual Earthlink style. It told me that some one had hacked into my account. Earthlink had detected the intrusion and had changed my password for my DSL access, but I needed to access the link provided and change my password on my account. The e-mail contained a disclaimer stating that if I did not access the link and change my password Earthlink would not be held responsible for the security of my account including the credit card information that I use to pay my recurring monthly fee.

So many thoughts went racing through my mind. My first thought, some one had my credit card information. I had that initial fear, but at the same time I couldn't believe what I was reading. Credit card fraud is always on ones mind irrespective of Internet activity.

I reread the e-mail. The part about Earthlink changing the password that accessed my DSL and e-mail - I thought, if they changed my password why was I able to download my e-mail messages. How would I know the "new" password. So I had the inclination that something wasn't quit right about this e-mail. But I did want to change my password on my account. I didn't use the provided link, I went to my start page and accessed my account directly. I did change my password, in fact I've changed it 3 or 4 times since. I never change my passwords and that is a mistake. Earthlink advises changing passwords periodically. So, I will become a little more password security suave. Anyway, this all took place a Friday morning about 5:30 a.m. I had to get ready for work. So I checked my credit card statement on line, no unexpected activity and sent a quick e-mail to Earthlink and got ready for work. I didn't call my credit card company because I didn't think the e-mail came from Earthlink.

Earthlink sent me a legitimate e-mail a while ago advising never to access a link on an e-mail which is asking you to log onto your account. Always go to the web page directly. Unscrupulous hackers format an e-mail in the style of a legitimate company. The access link goes to one of their pages formatted like the company's web site. You think you log on to your account, but you actually provide the hacker with your user id and password and perhaps valuable information. The hacker goes to the legitimate site and accesses your account. I'm glad I remembered that bit of information.

That evening, after work, I reread the e-mail and tried to figure out the situation. In the back of my mind I was still toying with the possibility that something had happened to my account. I checked the "Message Source" of that e-mail and found that someone with a hot mail address had initiated the e-mail. To check the message source: open an e-mail, under file click properties, click the detail tab, then message source. I usually maximize the message so I can comfortably read it. This message source will give you all the information about the e-mail.

I use this information when I get spam. The e-mail heading often times gives you erroneous information. I go to the message source and block e-mails with that address. Also, I send a copy of the message source to Earthink's "fraud" address. It's too bad we have to go through these precautions but that's life in cyberspace. Life in the 21st century is surely different than life in the 20th century.

I check my credit card account in the early morning and evening, no fraudulent activity. So I never called the credit card company. I knew that the hacker was trying to obtain my information, they had nothing. But just as I think that I also think, is someone accessing my personal information right now? But I think, these are things that could happen, but they may not happen. I am taking all the necessary precautions to protect my valuable information, but one should not become to smug in thinking that they have thought of every precaution. One never knows what fraudulent Internet users will come up with next. Caution and more caution is the key. Don't worry about it, be proactive. And do a lot of praying.

Since that day I have received a number of fraudulent e-mails concerning my Earthlink account. The hackers are out their. They are trying to do their thing, and I am doing my thing, protecting my privacy and financial security.