My Elvis is Dead

He moonwalked into my heart when I was 8 years old and never left. Micheal Jackson elevated the music video to an art form and set the platinum standard for being a performer. There is no one like him and and there never will be. I will be a fan forever.
King Michael, much love always. Go gently into that good night and rest in peace. Give my gandmommy a big hug and say hello to the godfather of soul.

Should Governor Sanford Resign?

If he used taxpayer money then YES! You don't refuse federal stimulus money that will help your state and then fly to another country on the taxpayer dime. And who is Mrs. Sanford fooling? This man spent father's day with another woman and her kids; that's love. The Sanford's are separated and he is in love with another woman. If the Sanfords stay together it's because the other woman wasn't ready to be a fulltime woman to the governor.

The governor has lost his "family values" card. It's time for this hypocrite to move aside and get his personal life in order.

He went to Argentina to meet with his lover?

Okay people what's really going on with the men of the GOP? First Nevada Senator Ensign admits he had an affair with a campaign staffer. Now Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina, who was MIA for awhile, is admitting he went to Argentina to meet up with a woman with whom he's having an affair. Did he charge this trip to the people of South Carolina? I hope not because I know I would be really upset if my tax dollars were subsidizing an extramarital affair.

These GOP folks were getting on President Obama for taking his wife out on a date. Maybe they should take a page out of his book. Isn't the GOP the "family values" party?

Bill Maher May Have Point

I watched the last episode of Real time with Bill Maher and realized he had a point about President Obama. We did not vote to see him eating burgers with the Vice Presdent or taking his wife for a date on Broadway. We voted for change. Of course we have to do our part. The President can only do so much. If we want change we have to force the President and Congress to make it happen. However, Bil Maher also said President Obama should also be more like George W. Bush. Basically he should bring a little "my way or the highway" mentality and stop trying to please everybody. Again Mr. Maher may have a point. If the last president could get through all his bad ideas and create the mess the Presidnet Obama inherited, then maybe our current leader should push through all his good ideas and effect real change, otherwise when it comes to the environment, healthcare reform, and the financial institutions, it will be business as usual.

here's a magazine you should check out

I am always on the look out for natural health news and information. While at the grocery store, I checked out the magazine rack and came across Natural Health. I was impressed by what I found inside. Here's just a few of the articles in the May issue:
Allergy-proof your skin
3 Ways to cheer up
The 2009 Nathural Health Green Choice Awards

I really enjoyed reading the green choice awards to find out the top ten greenest corporations. You might be surprised to find out that an American car company made the list. Go to www.naturalhealthmag.com to check out the web site or pick up a copy of Natural Health at your local newstand.

Are you taking advantage of tax incentives for being "green"

Green is the new buzz word but I think it's here to stay. Federal, state, and local governments are making it more affordable for people to be more energy efficient. What's happening in your state? Below are a few web sites to check out about tax incentives for energy:

www.energytaxincentives.org/
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
www.dsireusa.org/

You should also contact or check the web site of the utility companies that serve you to find out if they have any incentives.

You don't have to die of cervical cancer

Here's a health.com story about cervical cancer in light of the recent death of reality tv star Jane Goody who died from the disease. Every women needs to get an annual pap smear. If your tests come back abnormal, do a follow-up as soon as possible. The sooner the diesase is caught the better your survival rate. Jane Goody didn't do a follow-up because she was too scared. She let her fear allow a disease to take her life.

Steps you can take to live a “financially responsible” life

An article on CNN Money talks about living a financially responsible life. Instead of taking on the difference between living within your means or living below your means, the author chooses to focus readers on what it means to be fiscally responsible. I think this is right way to approach the subject. If we learn anything from this economic crisis, ti should be that we have to manage our own money. We can’t expect others to do right by us. AIG should be a prime example of this. While a lot of blame can be placed at the feet of Wall Street and government regulators, we have to own the fact that our blind trust in financial institutions and letting others take care of our financial destiny put us in this predicament. It’s time for us to be more engaged in what happens to our money and to do some of our own oversight of the institutions where we do our financial business. This may have helped the survivors of the Madoff ponzi scheme.
The two things the author says we should do to live a financially responsible life. First, we should make saving regularly a priority. Second we should control our debt. Neither suggestions are new but I think they need repeating until everyone finally makes them part of their daily life.

Ozone may be good for bad backs

A health.com article on March 13, 2009 sheds light on new thoughts about ozone. It’s still true that ozone-laden air increases your risk of dying from respiratory disease. However, researchers in Europe are in the early stages of a trial that suggests that by injecting a small bit of ozone into a bad back, it may relieve chronic pain caused by a herniated disc. Many doctors working in this field are skeptical because they feel it is a new twist on already existing back treatments. However they do feel that the trials may bring new knowledge to the table and they find that encouraging. I am encouraged by scientists finding ways to use things that may be bad for the environment and using it to human advantage.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele ruffling some republican feathers

Recently I read a March 13, 2009 post on CitizenJanepolitics.com. The blog talks about a recent interview done by GQ with RNC Chairman Michael Steele (when you get to the web site it should be on the front page, if not click on “the republicans” under topics; you should also be able to link to the full GQ interview). It seems that the new RNC chair is still ruffling feathers of the core Republican party. In the interview he says that abortion is an individual choice, homosexuality is someone’s nature and he can’t change that, and that the Republican Party doesn’t appeal to minorities because the party hasn’t gone out of its way to change the perception that it doesn’t care about minorities.

Is this the signal of a new Republican Party or of a power struggle waiting to erupt? Do core Republicans really want to show they are a party of diverse views or will they continue to speak in one voice to the few? If Chairman Steele has his way, the party is heading in a more inclusive direction. Only time will tell if he has enough will to pull off this new direction or bow to the will of the tried and true.

Task force visited U.S. automakers this week in Detroit

The Obama auto task force has three weeks to decide if GM and Chrysler deserve more money. The top auto advisors met with the automakers in Detroit on Monday. The advisors also met with top officials of the United Auto Workers Union and test drove the new Chevy Volt, Gm’s new electric car. March 31, 2009 is the deadline for the Obama administration to make a decision on whether to give GM and Chrysler more funds.
Some lawmakers, mainly Republicans, feel bankruptcy is the only option for GM and Chrysler at this time. However, it is a widely held assumption that the Obama administration is looking for a way to justify giving GM and Chrysler more funds to avoid bankruptcy during these tough economic times.

New Executive Order reverses Bush policy on embryonic stem cell research

On Monday President Obama overturned an order signed by President Bush in 2001 that barred the National Institutes of Health from funding research on embryonic stem cells beyond using 60 cell lines that existed at that time. This signals a clear shift from his predecessor on scientific issues.

Conservatives are criticizing this move arguing that embryonic stem cell research ends lives. President Obama’s response is that scientific decisions must be based on fact and not on ideology. The President also signed a memorandum that directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy "to develop a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government decision-making." This is the beginning of his effort to separate science and politics. This will go a long way in environmental policy as well. Lets hope The United States can finally get momentum on a lot of these issues that affect the planet and the well-being of her inhabitants.

Spending bill is stalled in Congress

The Senate is currently debating the $410 billion spending plan. It has already passed in the House. President Obama says he will sign the budget bill even though it contains 8500 earmarks, something he campaigned against. His administration is taking the position that since the bill was negotiated before President Obama took office, they want to sign the bill and move forward. The Obama Administration says they will not accept earmarks in future bills.

Republicans are up in arms. Once again their argument against wasteful spending is getting some traction, at least with their core constituency. Some of their credibility is lost since 40% of the earmarks in the bill are from Republicans including some of their leaders. Personally, it’s a spending frenzy in Washington, DC and I hope it will stop soon. We can’t afford to keep printing money.

Economy gets worse every week

AIG got $30 billion more to help stabilize the company. General Motors say they need almost $8 billion more to remain viable even thought their auditor said in a report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that he doubts the company can be viable and that GM should seek protection under bankruptcy law. How much more bailing out of failing companies are we going to do? We are giving banks money, hoping they will start lending again but if banks have to change the way they do business and tighten their restrictions, many small businesses and individuals won’t be qualify for loans. While they wait for this supposed bailout to kick in, they are incurring debt, getting behind on payments and maybe considering bankruptcy or facing foreclosure. I’m all for having patience and giving the new administration a chance but what do I do if I feel we’re heading toward the cliff faster than we were before because the solution does more harm than good? I hope President Obama’s economic team is the radical miracle workers he thinks they are because if not, America is done being considered land of making dreams come true. We may be in for a long nightmare.

Take control over your healthcare

In a Feb 12, 2009 article on cnn.com/empowered patient , Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Chen offer seven steps to take control of your healthcare if you currently don’t have health insurance. Read the article to find out more in depth information but below are the seven steps you can take to ensure that your or your family’s healthcare doesn’t suffer during these hard economic times.

Step 1: Get good advice
Step 2: Search for affordable insurance
Step 3: Get your child on SCHIP
Step 4: Get help with prescription drugs
Step 5: Find financial assistance for your particular disease
Step 6: Find free clinics
Step 7: Consider a part-time job

Steele versus Limbaugh…Republican versus Conservative?

Republican National Chairman Michael Steele called Rush Limbaugh an entertainer. In an interview, the chairman said in no uncertain terms that he is the leader of the Republican Party. So where does this leave Mr. Limbaugh? A conservative political strategist mad a good point on CNN yesterday that sheds some light.

Rush Limbaugh is the voice and leader of the Conservative Movement. He speaks about Conservative values. Party affiliation is not as important. Michael Steele is the voice and leader of the Republican Party. It’s his job to talk politics, raise money, and help people win elections. I think people link conservatives and the Republicans together but may be missing the point. Values and politics may or may not go hand in hand.

Politically there are Democrats and Republicans. To a lesser extent there are Independents, Libertarians, and others like the Green Party. Value wise there are conservatives and liberals. To a lesser extent you’ll find moderates, centrists, and progressives. People marry their political affiliation with their values and vote or govern from that perspective.

Getting back to Rush Limbaugh and Michael Steele, it seems like the Conservative Movement is strong while the Republican Party is trying to find a direction. As long as this is the case, I think Mr. Limbaugh’s voice will continue to be heard loud and clear.

Federal regulators to launch revamped program to shore up financial systems

On Monday, federal regulators said they will launch a revamped program to shore up troubled banks. Part of the program may include increased government ownership in financial institutions. The regulators, however, stress that keeping banks private is a priority.

Federal regulators can say what they want. Americans want to see enforced regulations. Both the government and Wall Street have let us down. If the SEC had listened to the man who told them about Bernie Maddoff ten years ago, the damage done would have been millions less. This man went through the proper channels to report misdoings and was ignored. Americans want to know that they have some type of recourse to hold government and Wall Street accountable. We’ll see what happens as time goes on and more regulations are put in place.

$15B from stimulus goes to states to help with Medicaid

On Monday President Obama said he would begin distributing $15B to states to help with Medicaid payments to the poor. He says the payments should reach states by today. This will offer some relief to states that are struggling with making payments through this program that is partly underwritten by states and partly by the federal government.

I am pleased to see that the Obama administration is trying to ease the strain on poor families. It’s nice to help the middle class but the poor need help too. They are suffering the most because they aren’t living in an environment where they can pull themselves up into the middle class. Hopefully as the President begins to fix the economic problem, an environment will be created where all Americans and not just a few can elevate their station in life.

Is recession making Sunday Blue Laws a thing of the past?

Five state legislatures are considering lifting the restrictions on the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sundays. Georgia, Connecticut, Alabama, Minnesota, and Texas say they have good voter support for lifting the ban but are facing strong opposition from the Christian right. These states feel that lifting the ban will give their states much needed state tax revenue. Religious groups are saying that repealing the sales restrictions will hurt families. As state budgets continue to be under stress these laws may begin to fall away all together.

Credit Card holders get a reprieve in 2010

New Fed regulations will reign in credit card insurers’ business practices in 2010. Currently insurers can do the following:

Raise interest rates on existing balances at any time
Bury changes and terms in the fine print
Change your terms and rates with 15 days notice
Charge you interest on this and last month’s balance

In 2010 insurers will have to:

Not raise interest rates unless you are 30-plus days late
Provide bills that clearly show terms, fees, and total interest paid
Give 45 days’ notice for new terms and rates
Calculate interest only on what you currently owe

Oh happy day. There are finally some regulations that will help the people, what a refreshing approach.

Save money and stress with these nine secrets health insurers don’t want you to know

On Health.com there is an article by Suz Redfearn that can help you save money and get the health coverage you need. Below are the nine secrets the article shared:

Don’t pay if you don’t have a say. Most plans charge you for seeing an out-of-network doctor. However, if you are in the hospital you may not have control over whether the doctors treating are in your network. If you don’t have control over this, especially during an emergency, you are not liable. So if you get a bill from your insurer, send them a strong letter letting them know that the doctor treating you was out of your control and you will not be paying any additional fees.

You may be eligible for more coverage. Depending on your state you may be eligible for more coverage than your insurer is telling you about. To find out you can contact your state’s insurance commissioner or check with consumer health organizations like Families USA.

To get tested, talk up your symptoms. Insurers in general don’t like to pay for tests. When you visit your voice your health concerns to your doctor so you can receive tests that you feel will put your mind at ease.

Stall first and answer questions later. Sometimes when you go for medical services like during pregnancy your insurer denies coverage while going on a fishing expedition to see if they can deny you coverage don’t sign any release forms allowing your insurer to review your medical history. Your history is private and after about 3 months the insurer will usually pay for your care and drop their investigation.

Letters are your best bet. Don’t overlook the power of a letter. It gives you a paper trail and gets a response from your insurer. When you send letters, make sure you send copies to your state insurance commissioner. And always keep any responses you receive.

Doctors are good weapons. When your insurer won’t pay for care you received under doctor’s orders, ask you doctor for help. They can call your insurer and say they will make a complaint to the state medical board. Another option is to call your congressman and/or Medicare office to lodge a formal complaint.

A little research can go a long way. If there is a test you want but your doctor won’t order it unless it is an absolute must do a little research and get some expert info to persuade your doctor.

There are ways to get drugs cheaper. Always ask for the generic brand. If there isn’t a generic then order your prescription by mail. To avoid extra co-pays ask you doctor to write a prescription for two to three months if you have a chronic condition.

An advocate can help you win. If you are denied coverage a health care advocate may be the answer. They know the laws and will take over the battle with your insurer so you can focus on your medical issues. They may even be able to get policies changed. To find an advocate you can contact the Patient Advocate Foundation or the Society for Healthcare Consumer Advocacy. You can also check with medical associations for a specific condition because they usually keep a list of advocates.

What can states hope to gain from stimulus package?

In an article on CNNMoney.com, yesterday, Tami Luhby breaks down what states will receive from the stimulus package. According to the article, most of the money will be allocated for Medicaid, education, and infrastructure projects. Experts say that the money should plug about 40% of the deficit in most states. That’s helpful but at least 46 states are facing budget shortfalls totaling over $140 billion. The stimulus bill provides the following:
$87 billion for Medicaid;
$46 billion for transportation projects, including $27.5 billion for highway and bridge construction, $8.4 billion for mass transit and $4 billion for public housing;
$39.5 billion for aid to local school districts, as well as $13 billion for programs for disadvantages students and $12.2 billion for special education;
$8.8 billion for governors' high-priority needs;
$4 billion for law enforcement; and
$2 billion to redevelop abandoned and foreclosed properties.Many governors will still have to fill a shortfall of over $50 million. This means that the federal funds from the American Recovery and reinvestment Act will alleviate but nor eliminate many of the cuts governors will have to make. I know I and everyone else is hoping at the very least it starts moving the American economy in the right direction. Hopefully the plans for the banking institutions and the housing crisis will be put in place shortly so that all these plans are working together to begin fixing the problem.
President Obama is scheduled to sign the bill today in Denver.

How will the new plan for TARP 2 affect us?

On Tuesday Secretary Geithner laid out the plans for how the oversight will work for the second half of the TARP money. Instead of putting in rules on executive compensation or asking that money be used to do mortgage modification these will now be requirements for receiving the money. The problem is that I haven’t seen what happens to these institutions if they don’t comply with the requirements laid out for them. How can oversight be effective if there are no consequences? I hope Americans keep track of what happens to this money. Go to the web site of the US treasury, www.ustreas.gov, to find the web site that will make the spending of TARP 2 funds transparent.

If this money is spent wisely and the banks do what they are supposed to do, more businesses will be able to make payroll and if not hire more people at least keep the people they currently employ. Also, homeowners may get the much needed help they need in revising their mortgages so they stop being upside down on their mortgages. We’ll see if the banks are really committed to saving the US economy or just saving their golden parachutes.

Who will lead HHS?

Tom Daschle is out. But who’s going to be in and will he or she have the qualities Daschle brought to the table? Daschle understands health care policy, he’s a Washington insider and he’s close friend of the President. As they begin the process of searching and vetting candidates to be nominated a the leader of Health and Human Services, I hope the person chosen is clear about the scrutiny that goes along with the nomination. A word of advice – pay your taxes.

President campaigning the people to promote his economic recovery plan

Yesterday, President Obama held town hall meetings to talk to the American people about the economic recovery plan being delayed in Congress by bipartisanship. He also held a prime time news conference to talk about the issue. Treasury Secretary Geithner delayed plans to talk about TARP 2, the other half of the $700 billion financial bailout, until today so that the focus could be on the stimulus bill.

I applaud the President’s efforts for trying to do something bold to boost the economy and get people back to work. No one knows what the catalyst will be that gets the economy moving again. I hope Congress can put aside their differences and pass a bill so their can be movement in the right direction. The American people have put up with the failure of TARP, they will understand if the stimulus bill doesn’t work as it should but we appreciate a bill that’s thinking about us instead of Wall Street.

Taxpayers are being asked for money. Wall Street should do its part.

The bonus culture on Wall Street is alive and well but could be in jeopardy if people begin to make enough noise. The allure of Wall Street is the promise of a big payday. A huge part of this payday comes from bonuses. Some on Wall Street feel that those that made their companies a fortune should still receive bonuses and only deny those, say in mortgage bonds, that ran up loses that crippled the companies finances.

This belief comes from the fact that bonuses are a major part of total compensation salaries. Many individual reviews are weighed more heavily than a company’s overall performance. I can understand the rationale and maybe those that continue to make financial institutions money should be rewarded. But this doesn’t explain the bonuses shelled out in 2008 to persons, especially at the highest level of management, that didn’t make their companies any money. Those at the highest level of management have their salaries tied directly to a company’s overall performance so if the company loses money then their bonuses should be cancelled until the losses turn into gains.

I don’t want anyone to be denied any money. I believe everyone has a right to make as much cash as possible but not at taxpayer expense.

Just one more instance of the Bush Administration putting us at risk

Favoring business interests over public safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized new guidelines to make it easier for drug makers to promote “off-label” prescription drug uses, which can be deadly. Off-label prescription drug use is when pharmaceutical companies encourage doctors to prescribe medication for broader uses than the one it was created in order to boost sales.

So a doctor could prescribe the drug Nuerontin, created to treat epilepsy, would be given to patients for other things like ADD, pain management, or migraines. What makes this so dangerous is that a lot of these drugs have strong side effects and many have not been definitively proven to be effective for the broader uses. A lot of the sales over the years for Nuerontin have been off-label. An increase in suicide and suicide attempts have been linked to this drug.

The Bush Administration allowed the FDA to relax its oversight on off label use while prosecutors across the country are cracking down. No wonder pharmaceuticals are making profits while the rest of us struggle to make ends meet. To add fuel to the fire, we now have to worry about the drugs our doctors prescribe. Thanks President Bush.

It’s time to hold our elected officials and bailout payees accountable

I believe it’s time a moratorium should be held on bonuses, corporate jets, and holding meetings at high-end hotels in exotic locations. The media is doing their part in exposing the excess and wasting of taxpayer dollars. When are we going to do our part?

It’s more than just voting. We have to make noise and let these elected officials and bailout money recipients know that politics and business as usual is no longer acceptable.
No more pay to play or corruption of public servants. No more bonuses until companies start showing gains and start lending again. Everyone should pay their taxes. So elected officials and corporate leaders beware - the people are watching.

Super Bowl XLIII is a nail biter until the final moment

Last night, Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes made it happen in the fourth quarter for the Steelers. This is the sixth win in the franchise’s history making the Steelers the winningest franchise in NFL history. Coach Tomlin, at 36, also became the youngest coach to be in and to win a super bowl. A penalty by Justin Hartwig almost put their win in jeopardy but it forced the Steelers defense and offense to step up their game.

We should take out hats off to Kurt Warner and the Cardinals for playing a great game. Penalties and time were against them. Warner is definitely one of the smartest quarterback to play in the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald finally got some receptions including two touchdowns. I look forward to amazing plays from him in the future. If Kurt Warner decided to retire, he should be proud of his NFL career.

Congratulations to my Pittsburgh Steelers and the Steeler Nation!

These 20 companies are hiring

Despite the massive layoffs being announced on a weekly basis, an article on Forbes.com says these companies have openings for workers (as of January 13, 2009). Search them out on the web to see if you have what they are looking for but be aware that these companies may not have openings in your home town so you may have to consider relocation.

Edward Jones
Google
Wegman Food
Cisco Sytems
Genentech
Methodist Hospital System (Houston, TX)
Whole Foods Market
Microsoft (they announced layoffs so double check this)
Burns & McDonnell
Ernst & Young
Booz Allen Hamilton
KPMG
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Scripps Health
Mayo Clinic
Baptist Health South Florida
Bright Horizons
Publix Supermarkets
T-Mobile
Accenture

If you think you can’t apply for some of these companies because you’ve never worked in that particular industry think again. Believe in yourself and let these companies know what you’re brining to the table. Take a risk you may be surprised. Companies are looking for good workers and they just may be looking for you. Happy job hunting!

The Top 5 Superfoods for Women of Any Age

In a July 17, 2008 article on Health.com, Joan Raymond shares five superfoods that women of all ages can benefit. As the winter months drag on, try some of these foods to keep the doctor away.

Cranberries
To help fight off nasty urinary tract infections try 10 ounces of juice a day. Plus, recent research shows that cranberries might also help fend off colds and fight stomach bugs, gum disease, and certain types of cancer.

Walnuts
Rich in omega-3s, walnuts may help reduce inflammation and increase good cholesterol. They may even help with depression and reduce your risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Beans
Rich in two heart-friendly phytochemicals, beans are packed with magnesium, potassium, folate, and fiber. Good for heading off heart disease and colon cancer.

Fish
Eating seafood rich in omega-3s at least twice a week could reduce your risk of heart disease. Women of childbearing age and nursing mothers can safely eat as much as 12 ounces of seafood a week if they avoid high-mercury swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel; albacore tuna should be limited to 6 ounces a week.

Tomatoes
Filled with the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes and cooked tomato products pack a big health punch. Women with lycopene-rich diets may have as much as a 50 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer. The antioxidant can also lower your blood pressure and bad cholesterol, reduce your risk of getting macular degeneration, and decrease your risk of getting many cancers.

Blagojevich chooses to be media darling while Illinois Senate begins his impeachment trial

Yesterday, Governor Blagojevich took to the national media circuit in search of public approval. Meanwhile, in Illinois, the state Senate began his impeachment trial. The governor decided not to attend a trial that he deems illegitimate because he is unable to call witnesses and defend himself. By law, the governor can call witnesses but they cannot be connected to the case the U.S attorney has against him. The governor will have an indictment hearing in April. It seems likely that the Senate will impeach the governor but that is the least of his worries. If indicted and found guilty, the governor could face many years in prison.

Blagojevich appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America and The View and on CNN’s Larry King Live. At each appearance he maintains he is innocent of any wrongdoing and that everything he’s done is for the good of the people of Illinois. Only time will tell if this media blitz worked. The governor engaged the national media against the wishes of his lead defense attorney, Ed Gensen, who has resigned as his attorney. This drama can only get stranger.

Our treasury secretary-elect hasn’t paid his taxes

I applaud Congress for grilling Timothy Geitner over his “mistake” over not paying his self-employment taxes. When Lehman Brothers failed he was the NY Fed Chairman. He stood by, allowed it to happen, and watched the domino effect as the economic crisis really got under way. If regular citizens didn’t pay their taxes or had an employee with illegal alien status there would be massive fines and the threat of jail time. I hope this man is the wunderkind everyone seems to think he is otherwise in terms of our financial system we shouldn’t expect much change.

American history made and I am alive to see it

Yesterday we elected our first Black President one day after celebrating the birthday of an American civil rights hero. It was a moving moment of historic proportions. Journalists are saying that President Obama’s speech was not that great but I have to agree with those that say the fact he was being sworn in was so historic he really didn’t have to say anything. I am proud of our country and I hope we all do our part to make President Obama’s presidency is a success and America moves forward into the 21st century in a positive way.

Consumers are promised more protection from government

Self-regulation for many industries is over. Democrats promise a new era of regulations on behalf of the consumer. Business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are bracing for a fight. Some critics are not sure enough policing will happen because some of the new administration picks may be too close to the industries that need change. In the coming months we will watch the financial industries and their government oversight agencies.

A recent Sixty Minutes story states that Wall Street is to blame for the run up on oil prices over the summer. Oil prices rose even though supply was up and demand was down. Wall Street received a huge bailout but has yet to start lending or tell anyone how the money is being used because they received money without conditions. As the Maddoff scandal and investigation continues, Wall Street is again under fire. I hope the Obama administration is up to the task of really implementing the change our financial systems need.

Naturopathy may be a good first option before the traditional doctor

Naturopathy is an alternative and complimentary medicine that emphasizes treating the whole body and not just symptoms. Natural remedies like herbs and food are prescribed instead of drugs and surgery. Currently 18 U.S. states and territories regulate naturopathic medicine and there are six accredited schools in North America.

Naturopathic practitioners use a wide variety of treatments to heal the whole body but they are centered on six core interventions:

Acupuncture and oriental medicine
Botanical medicine
Homeopathy
Nutrition
Physical medicine
Psychological counseling

Practitioners, like their traditional counterparts, have principles that make up their doctor’s oath:

First, do no harm; provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to patients at all times (Primum Non Nocere).

Recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being. (Vis Medicatrix Naturae).

Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symptoms (Tolle Causum).

Educate, inspire rational hope and encourage self-responsibility for health (Doctor as Teacher).

Treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences. (Treat the Whole Person).

Emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent diseases for the individual, each community and our world. (Health Promotion, the Best Prevention)

So the next time you feel an ache or pain, consider self-healing to get at the rot of your problem. You may actually get a cure rather a prescription.

Final press conference as Bush administration closes in on the end

On Monday, President Bush gave a final press conference. I’ve never been a Bush fan but for me his approval rating has grown because of two bright spots – his policies in Africa and his handling of the transition from his administration to Obama’s.

President Bush has given more money to fighting disease and other issues in Africa than any other president to date. He’s also been very generous in helping Obama move smoothly into the Oval office. Only time will tell how history will treat Bush’s presidency. Hopefully these two bright spots won’t be overshadowed by the many dark ones.

Is 2009 the year of the consumer?

Businesses are hoping that consumers will get off the sidelines and start spending again. The deepening recession is not helping. As oil inches back toward $50, gas prices are inching back up towards $2. Homeowners will also be paying more to heat their homes this winter. And there is the threat of more layoffs across industries.

All this bad news is not deterring businesses. Hyundai has a new incentive program for buyers. If you buy a new Hyundai and lose your job within a year, Hyundai will take it back. To get this benefit the buyer has to make two payments before filing a claim to walk away from the loan. Walkaway, who manages the program, says that they have been selling a similar program through various auto dealers in Canada since 2000. Hyundai is the only US automaker offering this program nationwide. Hyundai already offers cash back on most of its vehicles. The Assurance program, in addition to cash back, offers buyers value in the car buying process. The American automakers should take a lesson.

Trying to lose weight? Try on of these top ten diets.

Health magazine gathered a panel of experts to analyze 60 diets and narrow them down to the top ten diets in America. Below are the ones that made this year’s list.

The Structure House Weight Loss Plan, structurehouse.com: takes a holistic approach to weight loss including addressing the “why” in the relationship between people and food and exercising. This home-based plan follows the residential treatment plan of the actual Structure House in Durham, NC.

The Step Diet: This diet has participants walking and cutting their current food intake by 25 percent. For dieters who like things simple, like having choices and control, this plan is for you.

Weight Watchers, weightwatchers.com: This is a classic plan that continues to work for millions of people. The online option helps those not interested in going to meetings.
The EatingWell Diet, eatingwell.com: The focus of this plan is on behavior changes and sustained weight loss.

The Volumetrics Eating Plan, volumetriceatingplan.com: This plan focuses on making sure that people feel full but eat healthy.

The Best Life Diet, thebestlife.com: This program, created by Bob Greene who has helped Oprah in the past, offers people a way to ease into losing weight and does not advocate keeping strict track of calories.

The Solution: This program helps people figure out why they are overeating

You: On a Diet, realage.com/ct/shape-up-slim-down/you-on-a-diet: This program motivates and educates about weight loss in a fun way.

The Sonoma Diet, sonomadiet.com: This diet is based on the Mediterranean way of eating.

The Spectrum, ornishspectrum.com: This program emphasizes nutrition, exercise, stress management, and personal relationships.

The new first family has arrived in Washington

President-elect Obama and his family arrived in Washington this week. The first daughters are attending the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. Yesterday was their first day of school. The President-elect is making the rounds in Congress to discuss the details in his economic plan. While his focus is on the economy, the President-elect has been silent on what’s been going on in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. President Bush and Secretary of State Rice are working to negotiate a cease fire in the region. While the numbers are not definite, it is reported that 500 Palestinians and 5 Israelis are dead. This is just another issue in a long list of issues facing the President-elect in two weeks. He’ll also have to nominate a new commerce secretary because Governor Bill Richardson withdrew his nomination after being investigated by the Fed in the CDR investigation, a possible scandal that he said would be a distraction and delay his nomination. In other news, Al Franken may be named the new Senator from Minnesota. He won the recount but the incumbent has a week to challenge this and file a lawsuit.

On Thursday the President-elect is set to give a major speech on the economy. As part of his economic rescue plan, the President-elect is pushing for $300 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses. Even though a number has not been given, advisers say that the total rescue plan will be $675 - $775 billion. The plan, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, includes tax cuts, proposals to double renewable energy production and making public buildings more energy efficient, to rebuild roads, schools, and bridges, computerize the health care system, and modernize classrooms, labs, and libraries. In his Thursday speech it is important for the President-elect to spell out how the items included in his rescue plan will jumpstart the economy.