Thought For The Day - 10.01.08

"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver."  …Mahatma Gandhi, a political and spiritual leader of India

 Would you spend your entire life’s savings to save the life of a family member? Absolutely, without a second of hesitation. That realization should make it abundantly clear that far too many of us live our lives backwards — pursuing wealth, success, and pleasure. And hoping we live long enough to enjoy them. Live life right by putting your health first. Then the rest will fall into place.

 MUFA’s

The trick to a flat stomach and losing weight is having MUFAs at every meal and snack. What is a MUFA? It stands for monounsaturated fatty acid, which is found in nuts (walnuts and almonds are great choices), seeds, avocadoes, olives and flax and olive oils, and dark chocolate. So walnuts in my cereal? Flaxseed oil in my smoothie? Tapenade in my turkey wrap? Guacamole with my dinner? Totally doable!

"Jumpstart" your diet for about 4-days by having Mufas at every meal and snack, which is designed to not only lower the calories a bit more (an acceptable 1,200), but also to reduce belly bloat and gas so you have the visual proof that your gut is deflating.

Add 2 liters of Sassy Water -- a mixture of water with a lemon, a cucumber, grated ginger and spearmint leaves each day, for the first 4-days,strained of course, and you are on your way!

 Source:  Prevention  Magazine!

 Ad some GoChi and you are on your way to weight loss and good health, which truly is the greatest wealth!!

 Source:  Prevention  Magazine!

Thought For The Day - 09.30.08

“It Is Easy To Make the Party In Power the Scapegoat, And Even Easier To Make Yourself Look Good When You Are Willing to Shade the Truth… or Just Vote Present!”  …Thomas Sowell 

Bailout Politics 

By Thomas Sowell

Nothing could more painfully demonstrate what is wrong with Congress than the current financial crisis.

Among the Congressional "leaders" invited to the White House to devise a bailout "solution" are the very people who have for years created the risks that have now come home 

to roost.

Five years ago, Barney Frank vouched for the "soundness" of Fannie Mae 

and Freddie Mac, and said "I do not see" any "possibility of serious financial losses to the treasury."

Moreover, he said that the federal government has "probably done too little rather than too much to push them to meet the goals of affordable housing."

Earlier this year, Senator Christopher Dodd praised Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for "riding to the rescue" when other financial institutions were cutting back on mortgage 

loans. He too said that they "need to do more" to help subprime borrowers get better loans.

In other words, Congressman Frank and Senator Dodd wanted the government to push financial institutions to lend to people they would not lend to 

otherwise, because of the risk of default.

The idea that politicians can assess risks better than people who have spent their whole 

careers assessing risks should have been so obviously absurd that no one would take it seriously.

But the magic words "affordable housing" and the ugly word 

"redlining" led to politicians directing where loans and investments should go, with such things as the Community 

Reinvestment Act and various other coercions and threats.

The roots of this problem go back many years, but since the crisis to which all this led 

happened on George W. Bush's watch, that is enough for those who think in terms of talking points, without wanting to be confused by the facts.

In reality, President Bush tried unsuccessfully, years ago, to get Congress to create some regulatory agency to oversee Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

N. Gregory Mankiw, his Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, warned in February 2004 that expecting a government bailout if things go wrong "creates an incentive for a company to take on risk and 

enjoy the associated increase in return."

Since risky investments usually pay more than safer investments, the incentive is for a government-supported 

enterprise to take bigger risks, since they get more profit if the risks pay off and the taxpayers get stuck with the losses if not.

The government does not guarantee Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, but the widespread assumption has been that the government would step in with a bailout to 

prevent chaos in financial markets.

Alan Greenspan, then head of the Federal Reserve System, made the same point in testifying before Congress in 

February 2004. He said: "The Federal Reserve is concerned" that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were using this implicit reliance on a government bailout in a crisis to 

take more risks, in order to "multiply the profitability of subsidized debt."

Chairman Greenspan added his voice to those urging 

Congress to create a "regulator with authority on a par with that of banking regulators" to reduce the riskiness of Fannie Mae and 

Freddie Mac, a riskiness ultimately borne by the taxpayers.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not deserve to be bailed out, 

but neither do workers, families and businesses deserve to be put through the economic wringer by a collapse of credit markets, such as occurred during the Great 

Depression of the 1930s.

Neither do the voters deserve to be deceived on the eve of an election by the notion that this is a failure of free 

markets that should be replaced by political micro-managing.

If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were free market institutions they could not have gotten 

away with their risky financial practices because no one would have bought their securities without the implicit assumption that the politicians would bail them out.

It would be better if no such government-supported enterprises had been created in the first place and mortgages were in fact left to the free market. This bailout creates the 

expectation of future bailouts.

Phasing out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would make much more sense than letting 

politicians play politics with them again, with the risk and expense being again loaded onto the taxpayers.

And for a little reality check:

•  These financial practices that have led us to our present financial problems started long before the Bush Administration.  One of the most radical groups in America, ACORN, that helped push the government toward forcing lenders to loan to people who couldn’t qualify under the old rules, is an organization with which Obama has direct ties.
  
• Both McCain and Bush have warned about and asked for financial reforms during the past 8-years. 
•  If you think change from what brought America to our present financial crisis means Obama and the democrats, you don’t have your facts straight. 
• The example of Nancy Pelosi going to the House of Representatives today and causing the Republican House members, who had softened over the weekend, to definitely unit against the bailout, is the perfect example of the Democrats not being willing to work together and trying to place the blame of their bad policies on this administration and the Republicans.

Related Stories: 

The Rest of the Meltdown Story

 2008 Presidential Candidate Comparison

 McCain Shines – Bill Clinton Glad To See Him

 ACORN, Obama, and the Present Mortgage Mess

  

“The first 300,000 million of the 7 billion dollar plan should be divvied up and given to the American people… 1 million to every American Citizen and legal resident of the United States… and the rest can be used to bailout Wall Street and the Financial Industry.”  …Russell Crowe

(I loved it, Russell, because I said the same thing and wrote an article saying just that last week.  Too bad nobody listens to us!  Marion…)

Thought For The Day - 09.24.08

"Lost time is never found again."
…Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States of America

It’s a sobering reality, but you just may never sail downhill in a Radio Flyer wagon again. You may never again have sweaty palms as you kiss a true love. You may never again be able to run a mile as fast as you did when you were eighteen. And one day soon, you may come to this realization: you may never have the opportunity, the ability, and the time as you do now. So seize every day.

Thought For The Day - 09.21.08

“A single idea – the sudden flash of a thought – may be worth a million dollars!”  …Robert Collier, 20^th Century Motivational Author

 

The most amazing products aren’t born from metal, wood, or plastic. They’re born from ideas; Human Ideas.

 Therefore, no matter how valuable the products and services that exist in a business are, the true worth of the business lies with its people and their imagination, creativity, and mind power. 

 How many of us have had a great idea for a product, service or even a movie, show or book that we later see on TV, on a shelf, advertised or hear has made someone rich or changed people’s lives in a positive way?  The difference between them and us is that they acted on or listened to their God-given intellectual and imaginative abilities!

Thought For The Day - 09.18.08

"The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate."
…Joseph Priestley, 18th-century British theologian, natural philosopher, and political theorist

There’s a reason why top salespeople try to have as many face-to-face meetings with their customers and prospects. On the flip side, there’s a reason why salespeople that communicate almost entirely via email are usually searching for a new job within six months. Personal, face-to-face communication is a dying breed — but those who still rely on it, are among the highest paid, most productive people in America. Never settle for an email when you have a phone number — Never settle for a phone call when you have an address.

And the same can be said for politics…  One of John McCain’s strengths is getting out there and talking to the people in small Town Hall kind of settings, where he can shake hands, talk one on one and meet people face to face… venues that Barack Obama does not feel as comfortable in.  Obama prefers large less personal forums or texting… like he used to announce his VP choice of Biden.

McCain’s connection to the Internet World is his daughter, Meghan, who blogs about the campaign at McCainblogette.com as they travel the country from town to town in the McCain bus… the “No Surrender” which replaced Sen. McCain's famous "Straight Talk Express".

 

“Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”  …Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Thought For The Day - 9.17.08

When The Sands In Your Hourglass Dwindle To None… What Will Matter Are These Three Questions? 

Did I Live?... Did I Love?… Did I Matter?

 (And the time to ask yourself those questions is now…)

People may see eye to eye with you.  People might disagree with you.  People might need to hear exactly what you have to say. People may not understand your point or stand.  People may need exactly what you have to give. People might not be on the same wave length as you. 

But no matter what… if you are enthusiastic and share from the heart, people will respect you even if they disagree with you, and everyone whose life you touch will come away better for having met or heard you!!

 Give from the heart.  Share your passion.  Leave your mark.

  Checkout   

The Go-Giver

Thought For The Day - 09.16.08

“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.” …  Yves Saint Laurent

This is a stunning election season that is ablaze with drama. Regardless of what happens in November, we will either have the First Black President or the First Woman Vice President. It is also a stunning season of contrasts.

On the one hand, we have a true American War Hero. John McCain was tortured, maimed, and kept in a virtual box by a ruthless enemy. He suffered for years, refusing special

 treatment that would place him ahead of fellow prisoners of war. He came out of this experience a physically broken man, but with an enormous gratitude and devotion to his country.

On the other hand, we have an educated, polished, talented orator. A man who has proven to be unaccountable as a state legislator, voting “present” rather than yes or no  on nearly a hundred controversial issues. As Newt Gingrich put it so eloquently, this is a  man who has really done nothing but talk and write.

If the differences in Presidential candidates were not enough, we have two potential first ladies that offer stunning contrasts as well. They hold no constitutional power, but there is no doubt that the “better half” dynamic has a significant influence on the man who stands at the Bully Pulpit.  

On the one hand, we have Cindy McCain. She is a lovely woman, educated with a Masters degree in Special Education from USC. She comes from a hard-earned family legacy that has left her with a good fortune; a resource she manages  with a servant’s heart, sharing large sums for the benefit of those who are in need.

Cindy McCain is deeply concerned for the plight of children, especially in parts of the world where circumstances are desperate, and where life hangs by a slender thread. She even brought two of them home, one to adopt as her own and the other by close friends. Cindy’s views on abortion are not perfect in my opinion, but at least she limits her tolerance to cases of rape and incest. I hope that she and others will see that rape and incest are not crimes that should condemn an innocent child to death.

On the other hand, we have Michelle Obama. She is also a lovely woman and a Harvard educated lawyer. She comes from a regular middle-class family. Although she has mothered two children, her affection for children ends apparently at the birth canal. Michelle campaigned hard to fight the ban on partial birth abortion procedures and is a fervent advocate for abortion rights.

Michelle Obama advises and is proud of her husband and the causes he champions. One such cause was his opposition to the passage in Illinois of the “Born Alive Infant Protection Act”. Babies who somehow managed to survive abortion procedures were simply left to die alone, cold, and unloved with no medical attention whatsoever. Mind you, these are not quivering blobs of tissue, but are human children who are essentially killed by intention after they have been born.

Thankfully, the “Born Alive Infant Protection Act” was passed by the U.S. Senate in 2002, but I dare say that such may be at risk for reversal if Barack and Michelle have any say in the matter.

Michelle Obama seems to believe that parenthood is a “sacred” matter, having said this about Barack… “He’ll protect a woman’s freedom of choice, because government should have no say in whether or when a woman embraces the sacred responsibility of parenthood.”

Infanticide and the word sacred, gathered together in the same thought strikes me as bizarre and repulsive.

I am not certain why Barack Obama has such a callous view of infant death. Perhaps, it is a genetic holdover from the culture of his father’s Kenyan goat-herding legacy. I suppose defective baby goats were routinely cast onto the rocks and left to die. That way, only the best qualified would grow to become members of the goat-herd community.

We have seen such an attitude before in history, regarding who is deemed worthy to live. It seems to me that this election season is a moment in time that will define us beyond the norm. This election decision is all about life and death in so many ways. Please, listen to that little voice so often ignored, and choose wisely.

By:  Phil Harris, a software engineer, author of Cry for the Shadows and blogs at Citizen Phil

And Then There’s Biden… 

What is important is not whether we agree, but that we can and do have open discussions which promote awareness!!

Thought For The Day - 9.14.08

"Self-discipline is the foundation of freedom.  It is the foundation of greatness, achievement, heroism, leadership, sanctity, and vibrant and flourishing communities and nations... If you examine the lives of men and women who have achieved little or nothing with their lives, people who are miserable, mean and dispassionate, you will discover that it was not other people who destroyed their lives. Destruction always comes from within."  … Matthew Kelly, Author of The  Rhythm of Life 

The Hardest Victory
Today I'm in my favorite city, New York, speaking at a VIP Traders Conference. Investors gather at these events to discuss various approaches to the stock market. I remind them, however, that success will not come from adopting a particular trading technique or even from buying the "right" investments. No, their results will depend on the same thing that determines our success in virtually everything we do: self-discipline. Investing is not rocket science. All you need is a proven approach, realistic expectations and the discipline to follow through. As with most things in life, easier said than done. Take dieting, for example. It is estimated that Americans spend up to $6 billion annually on dieting aids. But let's be honest with ourselves. Dieting is not about Atkins, South Beach, Jenny Craig or NutriSystem. Nor is it about cholesterol, carbs, sugars or fat grams. It's about math. Every day of your life you either take in more calories than you burn or burn more calories than you take in. (Glance in the direction of your belt buckle to see your total.) You already know which foods are good for you and which ones aren't. No one needs to tell you "breakfast of fruit and yogurt - good. Donuts and coffee - bad." "Tuna fish and salad for lunch - good. Whopper and fries - bad." Come on. Losing weight is about nothing more than committing to a healthy diet and regular exercise. I happen to be an expert on this subject, incidentally. Over the past two years I've been trying to lose 10 pounds and, so far, all I've lost is two years. I don't kid myself that my diet and exercise program "hasn't worked." I haven't worked. I haven't gotten off my fat duff often enough - and rarely passed on that fresh slice of New York cheesecake slathered with raspberry sauce. We can blame circumstances all we want. In our hearts, we know that lack of genuine commitment is the real reason for most of our unmet goals, whether in academics, athletics, career advancement, wealth building, you name it. Fortunately, this is something we can change. "Self-discipline is the foundation of freedom," writes Matthew Kelly in "The Rhythm of Life." "It is the foundation of greatness, achievement, heroism, leadership, sanctity, and vibrant and flourishing communities and nations... If you examine the lives of men and women who have achieved little or nothing with their lives, people who are miserable, mean and dispassionate, you will discover that it was not other people who destroyed their lives. Destruction always comes from within." A satisfied life comes from meeting your most important objectives. And that means doing what needs to be done, without wasting time or energy worrying about whether or not you feel like it. As the Nike slogan insists, "Just do it." "When we develop the habit of plunging in without whining, complaining or procrastinating, we are on our way to genuine freedom," observes author Laurence G. Boldt. "We may not want to face it in such stark terms, but the choice is self-discipline or dependency; boss yourself or be bossed." Some folks imagine that making personal commitments and keeping them is a chore. It may feel that way at first. But, ultimately, it can be liberating. Wise men have understood this for centuries. "Choose always the way that seems the best, however rough it may be, custom will soon render it easy and agreeable," proclaimed the Greek mathematician Pythagoras. "No man is free who cannot command himself." The Roman philosopher Seneca concurred. "Let us train our minds to desire what the situation demands." "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies," said Aristotle. "The hardest victory is the victory over self." Millions have the ambition to succeed - and the aptitude as well. Why do so few move ahead? Perhaps they imagine that since they can master the job, there is no need to master themselves. Big mistake. Seldom are we able to govern events. More often we are challenged to govern ourselves. Carpe Diem, Alex Green, SpiritualWealth  "Carpenters bend wood; fletchers bend arrows; wise men fashion themselves."  … As Siddhartha Gautama said 2,400 years ago

Thought For The Day - 09.12.08

“To Remember Is To Honor!” 

…Family Member of a 911 Victim

 The Victims of 911 Were Remembered and Honored All Over the United States as Well As in Countries All Over The World Yesterday.

  Pentagon Memorial Dedicated on 09.11.08

The Pentagon Memorial was dedicated and opened to the public today on September 11, 2008. President George W. Bush called the memorial "an everlasting tribute to the 184 souls who perished." Over 20,000 people attended the dedication ceremony, including past Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen, and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates. It was opened to the public at 7:00 p.m. in a separate ceremony with a music performance by the Navy Band and the Sea Chanters Chorus.

As a part of the Pentagon military reservation, law enforcement there is under the jurisdiction of the United States Pentagon Police.

Thought For The Day - 09.11.08 - Patriot Day

Never Forget 9/11!

“Terrorism against our nation will not stand.”… President George W. Bush

Every event good or bad has value if we learn from it and remember!!  Americans as a group are some of the most giving and forgiving people on Earth, which sometimes becomes our weakness.  This is one time we need ‘not’ to forget!! 

Seven years have passed since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Today is a day to remember those who lost their lives at the hands of radical Islamic terrorists who despise our values and way of life, as well as those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice helping their fellow citizens that tragic day, and defending freedom in the years that have followed.

We must never forget that America has shed more blood defending freedom here and abroad

 than all the other countries in the world combined. And it was no different on 9/11. Before the twin towers fell, before the smoke had cleared from the Pentagon, before the brave men and women of Flight 93 had made a stand over Shanksville, Penn., Americans were fighting back.

America’s heritage of defending freedom has fallen to us. It is a great trust that our generation willingly accepts and must uphold. But the best way we can do that – while honoring the tragic loss of our fellow citizens six years ago today, and in all of the years since – is to make sure our

 nation continues to stand for freedom, remains strong and united in the face of threats, and secure.

 

Join Americans everywhere in flying your flag today for Patriot Day and in Remembrance of 9/11

Today… Thursday, September 11th, 2008, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States, and if possible should be flown at half mast. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this seventh anniversary of one our country's worst tragedies. We do this honor of

 those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, their friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

 

Patriot Day, 2008

(Below is the Official Proclamation)

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.

Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of this great Nation.

Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow our resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 

States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day. I call upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

9-11

United in Courage, Grief & Resolution

" Grief is the most patient and persistent of all of life's companions.It is an ancient, universal power that links all human beings together"… -Molly Fumia, Safe Passage

God Bless All the Families of the Casualties of 911 & All Those Who Have Fought For Freedom, Around The World, Ever Since!!

Thought For The Day - 9.10.08

“Perception is Everything!!”

 Little Zachary was doing very badly in math.  His parents had tried everything...Tutors, Mentors, Flash cards, Special learning centers; in short, everything they could think of to help his math.

 Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down and enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face.  He didn't even kiss his mother Hello.  Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying.  Books and papers were spread out all over the room and little Zachary was hard at work.

 His mother was amazed.  She called him down to dinner.  To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back to his room without a word, and in no time, he was back hitting the books as hard as before. This went on for some time, day after day, while the mother tried to understand what made all the difference.

 Finally, little Zachary brought home his report card.  He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and hit the books. With great trepidation, his Mom looked at it and to her great surprise, little Zachary got an "A" in math. She could no longer hold her curiosity.

 She went to his room and said, "Son, what was it?  Was it the nuns?" Little Zachary looked at her and shook his head, no. "Well, then," she replied, “Was it the books, the discipline, the structure, the uniforms?  "WHAT WAS IT ALREADY?"

 Little Zachary looked at her and said, "Well, on the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around."  ;-)

  

“It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider that the limit of our power of perception is also the limit of all there is to perceive.”

…C. W. Leadbeater

Thought For The Day - 9.07.08

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling…

And even more beautiful is, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. 

He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." 

There were only a few coins in the hat. 

A man was walking by. 

He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. 

He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. 

He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. 

Soon the hat began to fill up. 

A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. 

That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. 

The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? 

What did you write?" 

The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." 

What he had written was: "Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it." 

Do you think the first sign and the second sign were saying the same thing? 

Of course both signs told people the boy was blind. 

But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. 

The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind. 

Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective? 

Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.

Invite others towards good with wisdom. 

Live life with no excuse and love with no regrets. 

When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. 

Face your past without regret. 

Handle your present with confidence. 

Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear. 

Great men say, "Life has to be an incessant process of repair and reconstruction, of discarding evil and developing goodness…. In the journey of life, if you want to travel without fear, you must have the ticket of a good conscience."