“Anatomy of An Illness” written by Norman Cousins, is a book based on his own life and how he treated his own painful illness, with the assistance of laughter. Cousins had a theory that the old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”, was more factual than many people realize.

In modern times, society has come to understand that stress has a negative impact on both physical and
mental health. What is not as commonly understood is that laughter has many positive health benefits, which
can counteract the negative affects of the stress response.

Laughter increases the functioning of the immune system, helping the body to fight off illness and
disease. Studies have demonstrated that laughter causes the increased production of catecholamines and
endorphins. These chemicals, when released by the brain into the blood stream during laughter, increase
feelings of happiness and well-being.

Laughter also decreases the secretion of cortisol as well as the sedimentation rate, and therefore is
beneficial in stimulating the body’s immune system.

During laughter, the flow of Oxygen in the blood increases. Arteries relax, heart rate and blood
temperature are lowered, circulation increases and the skin temperature rises. All of these physical
responses have a beneficial effect on both cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Laughter has the potential to help speed healing, and increase overall health and well-being, when it’s
benefits are fully realized as a part of a stress management plan.

While the average human laughs approximately 8 to 10 times daily, a stress management plan which
includes laughter as a part of the daily program would include rigorous “laughing” as an exercise to be
performed several times throughout the day.

Full belly laughter is an involuntary response of the human brain. Full belly laughter can be triggered by watching comedies, listening to comedians, telling jokes or just allowing oneself to participate in fun and silly activities.

HELP I’M BEING TAXED TO DEATH … or at least it feels that way sometimes. Each day I awake anticipating the mysteries of what the day might have in store for me and while it will keep me guessing, there’s always two things I have no doubt about: God has once again blessed me with a new day - and my government will come up with a new way … to add taxes to something else.

Most of us don’t really give much thought to the amount we pay annually in taxes and we tend to think of taxes in the context of our annual Federal Income Tax Returns. Or, for those of us required to file State Income Tax Returns, we pat ourselves on the back once we have completed this task (big job) with a sigh of relief, until the next tax filing season rolls around.

Business owners don’t fall prey to this folly, they know all too well the task is a regular aspect of doing business. I won’t go into that lion’s den today though, because we are talking taxes and not Business.

Have you ever stopped to think about how much of your hard earned dollars go to taxes? Do you think you know what your ‘tax bracket’ really is? For most of us, our most generous ‘guestimate’ is probably an understatement. I’m sure there are many of us who deliberately avoid any thought on the topic, for it would depress us to death. Those are some options folks - let me see … do I want to be taxed to death or depressed to death? Decisions, decisions!

Here’s a small sample of some of the taxes we pay in our (USA) country:

• Accounts Receivable Tax
• Boating License Tax
• Building Permit Tax
• Capital Gains Tax
• CDL License Tax
• Cigarette Tax
• City Tax
• Corporate Income Tax
• County Tax
• Dividends Earned Tax
• Dog License Tax
• Excess Earnings Tax
• Federal Income Tax
• Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
• Fishing License Tax
• Food License Tax
• Fuel Permit Tax
• Gift Tax
• Gasoline Tax
• Hunting License Tax
• Inheritance Tax
• Interest Earned Tax
• Inventory Tax
• IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
• IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
• Liquor Tax
• Local Income Tax
• Luxury Tax
• Marriage License Tax
• Medicare Tax
• Per Diem Tax
• Personal Property Tax
• Real Property Tax
• Service charge taxes
• Social Security Tax
• Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
• Sales Taxes (Alabama taxes almost everything)
• Recreational Vehicle Tax
• School Tax
• State Income Tax
• State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
• Telephone Federal Excise Tax
• Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
• Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
• Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
• Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
• Telephone State and Local Tax
• Telephone Usage Charge Tax
• Usage Tax
• Utility Tax
• Vehicle License Registration Tax
• Vehicle Sales Tax
• Watercraft Registration Tax
• Well Permit Tax
• Workers Compensation Tax

I don’t know about you, but I want to know where all that tax money is going? For those who have fallen upon hard times, they know all too well, it can’t be going toward any type of services we can collect. If you want some of those tax dollars back via government programs to the needy, you have to lose everything you own first. And for those whom find themselves that unfortunate, if they ever manage to get back on their feet - the government is going to come knocking, to ensure they get back everything you collected from them, and then some.

So just where are all those tax dollars going? I’m sure if you polled one hundred people, you would get at least thirty different answers, with explanations that all boil down to the same basic analysis … “I don’t know, I just pay what I’m told I owe.”

If you would like to weigh-in with your own opinions, register to subscribe  and post your comments.

Judgment is something we do on a daily basis whether we realize it or not. There is not a day that goes by that we haven’t passed some type of judgment about something. But, are those judgments accurate? Do we even have the right to judge another person? Or the right to pass judgment on any particular place or thing based on a few moments in time, or a few spoken words?

There is a point in time when you will not be at your best and find yourself in a position, where regardless of how you feel, you must interact with others. The question now becomes one of which, do you really want others judging you and your entire life on that moment in time?

Remember that disgruntled employee, you thought would have been better off if they had just stayed home for the day? Or maybe you remember the smiling cheerful employee, that greeted you will smiles, maybe even a few kind words? Now, do you remember what you thought about that person? How you might have judged them?

It is often, too easy, to pass judgment on another with only a single interaction. But, is that fair and more importantly, do we even have that right? How much might we miss in life by being judgmental? It’s something to ponder and be aware of daily, as we encounter others and interact with the people around us.

What? You say you don’t judge others? Or maybe you think your assessments are accurate? Never be so sure. Remember that ‘bum’ you saw outside the corner market? Or the tattered-clothes woman, in the beat-up old clunker of a car at your local grocer? Don’t you remember what you thought or said? Here’s something I wrote when I was fifteen years old, that might give you pause for reflection - and judgment. What if the worse had been the best, or was in the guise of something other than what it truly was?

I hope it inspires you to aspire to greater things - and thoughts. And remember, everybody is loved by somebody somewhere - and nobody can really say where or what they might become tomorrow. We can only state with certainty what we aspire to be.

Lawyers who represent indigent criminal defendants have ethical obligations, especially when excessive caseloads can interfere, with competent and diligent representation.

Unfortunately, most people who find themselves in the unthinkable position have no idea where to start, let alone know what is required by their attorneys. It is usually in hindsight that an individual realizes what should have been done, or that their legal representation was ineffective.

Once you are convicted of a crime, whether guilty or innocent, the appeals process is a long drawn out process that leaves everyone involved drained - mentally, emotionally, and most especially - financially. On average it takes ten years to prove innocence.

So you say you aren’t worried? You aren’t a criminal? Do you think innocent people don’t get convicted? Maybe you think it will never happen to you?

THINK AGAIN! There are an estimated 40,000 people in correctional facilities for crimes they did not commit. And, I’m sure each and every one of them thought this could never happen to them either.

The fact of the matter, depending on where you live, you run a risk of [as much as] one in seven chance of wrongful conviction. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to catch my attention.

And here’s another thing to think about: For every wrongful conviction, there is a perpetrator loose on the street among us, our children, family - maybe even living next door or the next street over. So, when someone is wrongfully convicted, the real perpetrator remains at large until [and if] you can prove your innocence. That process can take as many as 22 years, just ask Calvin Willis. Or ask Sterling Spann, who spent 19 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit.

Even those who are not indigent prior to being accused - will be indigent by the time of their trial dates. It’s something that’s really broken about our justice system.

I often say an ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure in my book! If you would like to learn more about Ethical Obligations of Lawyers Who Represent Indigent Criminal Defendants, you may read or download the copy provided by the ABA here: Formal Opinion 06_441

Other wrongful conviction stories:

How much is too much when it comes to Government control?

• Should the government control our gun ownership rights?
• Does the government have an obligation to “The People” and to uphold the U.S. Constitution?
• Does the 2nd Amendment give us the right to bare arms?
• Does the U.S. Constitution prohibit our Federal Government from mandating National Healthcare?

If someone asked you today whether you are ‘for or against’ the Death Penalty, would that response be based on facts or:

• Family rearing
• Community support
• The belief of ‘an eye for an eye’
• Belief it deters or reduces the occurrence of this criminal act
• A loved one has been a victim of this criminal act
• Religious beliefs
• A loved one being wrongfully convicted of this criminal act
• Other reason

With recent events involving terrorists, who skirted security or where security measures failed, most people might readily respond with “I support the Death Penalty” and do so with passionate emotion. But, I would ask of my readers now, please hear me out - first. If after what you learn/read in the following facts, you would like to present your argument - I would love to hear from you.

FACTS: (Just a few, mind you)

a) The death penalty does not deter or reduce the occurrence of homicides. In fact, statistics have shown murder rates increase during those years with higher numbers in executions, and murder rates actually decreased during the years where a lessor number of executions were carried out.

b) State in which you reside determines [disproportional] level of punishment, as opposed to severity of criminal act deciding level of punishment. Premeditated homicide in one State might result in a twenty year sentence, while in another State results in as much as an Eighty-five year sentence, while in yet another State will bring a sentence of death. Can we call this fair or just?

c) Within the same State the [disproportional] sentencing differs from county to county and even prosecutor to prosecutor for the same criminal act. Can we call this fair or just?

d) Race, Community Standing, Wealth, Education (or lack thereof), and many other factors involved with each defendant can [and does] determine the [disproportional] level of sentencing - and most problematic - the odd of being wrongfully convicted or being found ‘not’ guilty for a crime you actually committed.

e) Misidentification of suspects by witnesses, Jail house snitch deals, lazy or under-funded Public defense, over-zealous prosecutors; and even the Juries attitudes, emotions, personal lives, personal experiences, and their careers and community positions can affect the outcome of both guilt and penalty phases in these criminal cases.

More FACTS:

Since the Death Penalty was reinstated in 1976, we now know, through recent case study and forensic advancements - over One Hundred Twenty wrongfully convicted persons have been exonerated in the United States. Worldwide that number is a staggering 2,500+.

If you are an under-privileged black male under the age of 30, you are at greatest risk for wrongful conviction.

If you have a prior criminal record, you are at a greater risk than someone with no criminal history.

If you are under-privileged financially, educationally, or mentally, you are at greater risk.

If you - look, act, talk differently than what your local community deems ‘normal’ you are at greater risk.

In some cases it can actually be a matter of whether you have “fallen to ill favor” with local authorities or whether you “know the right people” [who you know] within your community.

Even more FACTS:

Every Death Sentence handed down is [in essence] imposed upon the family and loved ones of the defendant, thus punishing innocents and creating more victims.

Every Death Sentence handed down starts an expensive appeals process that can last on average 9 (nine) years and even longer.

Every Death Sentence handed down costs as much as 10 (ten) times more, in taxpayer dollars, than a life sentence. The costs of one death sentence can exceed one million dollars, while a life sentence without parole costs an average $100,000.

The taking of one life in exchange for another does not bring closure to anyone. But, what we need to be asking ourselves is a crucial question: What type message do we send our children, when we practice a barbaric concept that State sanctioned Murder justifies Murder?

Now putting all that aside, what about those whom have been wrongly convicted? How do we give them their life back? How do we ‘un’ do all the hardship, financial drain, stigma, mental anguish the system places upon the wrongfully convicted and their family and loved ones?

If someone where to tell you “You have a one in seven chance of being wrongfully convicted” would you place yourself among six other people, thus placing yourself at risk? Would you be willing to take that risk?

The fact is, there is no way to assure the wrong person will not be convicted and executed with the current legal system we have in place when it comes to Capital Punishment in the United States.

Below are some links to resources and information, dealing with the causes and consequences of the Death Penalty:

Dealing with grief, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, divorce or some other traumatic event of life can be very challenging. But, that grief seems to be compounded during the holidays and bring on feelings of depression, hopelessness and loneliness for many.

For the person grieving some type of loss, the holiday season can literally send them into a downhill spiral of woes and negative feelings. One minute they might feel numb, and then in an instant they could be feeling hostile or angry. Or maybe even start sobbing, feelings of indescribable sorrow or longing to live a different life.

Trying to move past the grief is not an easy thing to do. And when others around us, while well meaning, tell us we need to ‘get over it’ - this can actually increase the grief some people are experiencing. And, our ‘well meaning’ intentions can do more harm than good.

So, is there really any way to get past the grief and feelings that all things are hopeless?

Answer: Yes and No!

You cannot get past grief, you can only work your way through grief! And just because someone manages to feel ‘positive’ one day, does not mean they won’t be blue on yet another day. Life is funny that way and emotions run deeper than any ocean on earth.

The good news is, for the majority of people, these negative feelings of grief that intensify during the holidays are manageable. How we manage them depends on the individual variables present in our life and the people around us, and how those people around us ‘cope’ with daily life in general, in addition to their own grief coping skills. Which can and does affect our own means of dealing with grief.

Too often, during the Christmas Holiday season, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle - not having enough hours in a day to get everything done - trying to beat the next guy/gal to obtain that special gift - trying to coordinate schedules, decorating our homes, and the list goes on… Then we see all these Christmas advertisements everywhere, Christmas movies where everything works out in the end with families coming together - and we think, “why can’t my life/family be like that.” Suddenly our emotions are running over each other and our mind is screaming at us!

With all that excitement and good will, also comes self-involvement, greed, rudeness and down right meanness with some people. For the person grieving, this can be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back.

But WAIT! It’s not impossible and it doesn’t have to be dealt with alone. While there really is no ‘magical’ fix for when grief finds us, we can make an active decision to ‘enjoy’ the holidays - rather than just ‘getting through’ them.

Interacting with others who have been through the same type loss, can give us some validation to our own feelings. Others can teach us the ways and tools they found most useful in overcoming grief. They can also warn us of things or situations to avoid, during these holidays. Most importantly, they have first hand knowledge of what it feels like, thus have a true understanding. Sometimes just being able to talk with others who have experienced events similar to our own is the best medicine.

Grief is sneaky and obeys no rules, so never accept being told that your methods of dealing with grief aren’t “normal” as long as you are making progress. Do not let others set ‘time’ limits on your grief either. As individuals, we must deal with grief according to our own individual needs. Again, here is where reason and what’s reasonable comes into play. What works for one person, might not work for another. Find what works for you, then put it to ‘work’ and start each new day with new resolve, determination, and outlook on life.

Make a new goal sheet nightly. List at least five positive things that will make you feel better and five things you can do or say to make someone else feel better [even laugh] about their day’s events.

Then, the following morning - the first thing you do is read your goal sheet. Make sure to take it with you wherever you go throughout the day and keep it handy for reference. Search for and set out to expect ‘positive’ things, people or events.

For those who are fortunate enough and are not dealing with grief, please remember my following words and take them to heart - you can literally change another person’s entire day, week, or even their very life for the better: If you see someone [obviously] stressed or in distress - look them in the eye, say something uplifting or just simply smile, rather than ignoring them or avoiding eye contact. It’s only the occasional butthead that won’t appreciate your kindness and warm feelings.

And for those times when you do encounter the occasional butthead, simply walk away smiling to yourself and give your thanks for all you have to be grateful for, while saying a prayer for butthead to feel some love in his/her heart.

PS. Stay away from people with wild look in eyes or acting strange, violent, or hostile. Just say a silent prayer while walking in the opposite direction.

First, I would like to say “Happy Thanksgiving” to all my  US readers. And as our families gather together during this special time of the year, a difference comes over many of us. Our emotions rise closer to the surface, hearts feel a little warmer and we see relatives we might not have seen for some time.

As the aroma of turkey and stuffing fill the air, mixed with the smell of apple and cinnamon, maybe even some fresh baked bread, biscuits or rolls - let us not lose sight of those less fortunate. As we gather at the dinner table to say Grace, let us give our thanks for the blessings we receive.

Let us also remember our Soldiers and those less fortunate. For those who have recently lost their jobs or their homes, or maybe even a loved one, this time of year can be especially difficult. So, as you get out among others - when you see a Soldier, thank him/her. Smile at that cashier and wish them a great day, thank them and say “Merry Christmas” to spread the good cheer.

Maybe this year, you might decide to volunteer at a soup kitchen or donate a new blanket or two for the homeless. And don’t forget the Angels, that sponsor disadvantaged children. You just might be surprised how much enjoyment you get out of the deal, while you are helping others.

We really can make the world a better place - we only need to commit ourselves to making it happen. With that said …

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

Thank you to every Veteran - for protecting us - with your very lives.

Happy Veteran’s Day to all the Armed Forces and their families. Let us remember the many sacrifices made by these patriots, in order to protect the freedoms and rights of all our citizens.

The day will be filled with mixed emotions, most especially the families of those soldiers who have given their lives, so that we might enjoy the freedoms we do. The following poem was written as my small way to honor our troops. It is not a clever or lengthy piece, just a few words I hope might speak volumes:

They Mourn

Guarding Their Comrades

Duly Stood Brave Soldiers

The Silent Platoons

Ambushed Our Enemies

Freedom Still Remains

Another Assignment Done

Duty Completed

They Rejoice For Us, Then Mourn

Copyright 2006

For those of us who have not faced the rages of war, we can never know the depth of emotions coursing through the veins of every Soldier, as they face their enemy. To take another’s life is not done without burden. They carry the weight of so much, we might not even consider as a consequence.

Let us acknowledge our Heroes, their sacrifices and willingness to give their very lives, so that we might enjoy the many freedoms we have. Please thank a Soldier today.

To read more poems by ODella aka Alhavakia please visit my poetry site.

Chances are, if you are a U.S. Citizen, you have heard of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act [AKA ARRA] of 2009. An economic stimulus package enacted by the 111th Congress of the United States and signed into law by President Obama, on February 17th of this year. But, what’s it all about? What qualifies as “approved” and how do you benefit from this ’stimulus’ package?

ARRA is defined as, “An Act, Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. (should I be scared about the ‘other purposes’?)

With only one week to go before the end of this fiscal year, can it be said this ‘Act’ was successful and more importantly - was it worth the cost? (Certain provisions extend through September 30, 2010)

Some experts are now saying the economy is already recovering and the housing market is driving this comeback. Even if the experts turn out to be correct, I doubt this will be of much comfort to those who have already lost their homes and or jobs. With unemployment reaching double digits in many areas across the nation [United States], just when does this “Recovery & Reinvestment Act” trickle down to the average consumer and working people?

Does the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act have an impact on other Countries? If so, how much of an effect does this have on other countries - and their economies? How does that benefit the citizens of those countries?

The world of commerce is just that - Worldwide. So, it would stand to reason the economic effects of one country could and would affect other countries [in the free world and of free trade], sometimes with a ripple effect.

The simplest of things seem to become complex once government get involved, and the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act is anything but simple. Enough time has passed since its enactment for our Representatives in Washington [as well as our home States] to know the details of ARRA. Yet I would be extremely hesitant to hold my breath on that one.

The ARRA spans over several hundred pages and while I would love to give my opinion on this entire act, that would require several hundred pages. So, rather than give my opinions, I shall ask a few questions about a few Sections and their Provisions that might trickle down closest to the average working class American:

• Job preservation and creation

  - If millions of jobs are lost, while creating 100’s of thousands new jobs, (the number of unemployed growing at a faster rate than the number of new jobs available) can we call that successful?

• Just how many of the newly created jobs are Government related positions?
• If ARRA provisions or sections have language containing “to carry out a program of grants to States” or “to cover the salaries or related expenses” - do “We the People” actually see any of that money?
• Can anyone really understand the wording of ‘contingents’ without having to created a cross-indexed database, with cross-referencing definitions of all the  ’this section or that U.S. Code”, “Subsection this or that, as pertains to - you get the picture, right?