Greene Publishing, Inc.

By Jacob Bembry

I have always been a small town boy and I always will be. The biggest city I ever lived in was Tallahassee and it was much smaller then. The city is a nice place to visit, but give me the small town warmth any day.

What are some of the advantages a small town has over the big city?

Well, it’s much easier to drive in a small town and you don’t have to go through a bazillion red lights to get where you are going.

Everyone knows their neighbor and cares for them. If someone learns of any distress a person is in, many will head right to them. I once had a person tell me that when their house burned down, they were amazed at the outpouring of love and generosity that was given to them. They had moved here from up north and they told me that would not have happened up north.

When I went into cardiac arrests in December, the outpouring of prayers, love and finances were deeply appreciated. Although I was unaware of it at the time, I learned later of it. I was overwhelmed by it, and even today, when I think of it, I am moved to tears of happiness by it.

I am so glad that God gave me a small town to live in, to grow up in and to spend my life in. I love it and I love each and every one of you.

By Diann Douglas, Guest Columnist
Madison County Extension Service

It’s time to think about your food choice and its impact on your health; March is National Nutrition Month and the focus is on a color splash for your plate. Sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formally known as the American Dietetic Association) this campaign promotes healthful eating and practical nutrition guidance. Since it takes more than a village to get the message out, we in Extension are glad to be a part of the educational effort. Americans need to understand the food choices you make have a profound impact on your health and well-being.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages Americans to step up today and make healthier lifestyle choices. Small steps add up to a big impact over time. This year’s theme, “Eating Right With Color”, gives us an easy way to focus on improving eating habits; simply include plenty of color on your plate. Adding colorful food to your plate not only makes the meal more appealing, but it guarantees a plate of nutrients. Each colorful food contributes different nutrients; get a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low fat dairy food in each meal.

Get the most nutrition from your calories. Dietitians stress your body needs the right fuel for daily activities. The best way to get what you need is to enjoy a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods from all of the food groups each day. This insures you are getting a daily intake of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

Eating in moderation will help keep a balance of calories. Most of us take in more calories than we burn during daily activities. Often the culprit is empty calorie food and beverages that are high in sugar and fat, but low in nutrients. Portion control will help balance your intake without cutting favorite foods completely out.

Find a balance between food and physical activity. The USDA 2010 Guidelines for Americans recommends physical activity every day along with eating right. Regular physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes a day helps with fitness, weight management and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. If you can’t do 30 minutes, aim for 10 minutes of physical activity several times a day.

If you have a computer, USDA has a great website at www.myplate.gov. You can customize a daily food guide for your age and weight and set up a free personal food tracking account to help you record daily food intake and physical activity. For more information on food and nutrition, contact the Madison County Extension Service.

The University of Florida Extension/IFAS – Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.

By Joe Boyles
Guest Columnist

Music has its Kenny G and Madison had our Tommy G. The one and only Tommy Greene passed away two weeks ago from a lengthy illness that he quietly and manfully fought. Unlike many things in his life, Tommy bore his illness quietly. Many of us did not know he was sick.

To say that Tommy was unique would be a classic understatement. I once said that with Tommy, “they broke the mold,” but to be honest, I’m not sure there was a mold to begin with. Everywhere in our fair state that I would travel, people in the know would mention Tommy Greene when I said I was from Madison. The two were inseparable. I would think that if anyone compiles a list of Madison’s most unforgettable characters in our first two centuries, Tommy Greene will be on the list.

Some referred to Tommy as Madison’s Leprechaun. Everything about Greene was … green. His clothes; his signature; his cars; the names of his children; the list goes on. I never checked his underwear, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Many of us have to remember to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day; not Tommy.

Tommy was not an accomplished public speaker, so he used short, funny quips to compensate. His stock answer to the question, “what are you up to Tommy” would be greeted with the response, “about 5 foot 5.” I chuckled every time he pulled that one-liner on me.

Tommy was certainly controversial and he had his fair share of detractors. I was not among them. I found that most of his opponents were people who had known him as a youngster. I only knew Tommy for 15 years.

I respected Tommy, and he returned my respect. I knew it wasn’t wise to get into an argument with someone who buys ink by the barrel. Once when his newspaper was on a crusade that concerned me, I sat down with him over lunch and we both heard each other out. Tommy was firm in his convictions – no surprise there, but we listened to each other. No one got hot under the collar; merely respect and honest dialogue.

I think another reason that Tommy appreciated me was because of my military background. Those of us who have worn the uniform are a band of brothers. Tommy had the utmost respect for servicemen and women.

My association with Greene Publishing goes back nearly ten years. The late Bernard Wilson came to me one day at Rotary and confided that he was no longer comfortable writing the weekly veterans column for the Carrier that he had begun 30 years before. Why he told me this, I’m not sure, but when I asked several weeks later if he would mind if I begin to write in his place, Bernard thought it was a good idea. At his bidding, I went to see Mary Ellen Greene and she encouraged me to begin writing.

I’ve been faithfully writing this column ever since. Of course, it is quite a bit different that Bernard’s column was, but that’s to be expected. Tommy appreciated my small contribution to the Carrier. He would mention it whenever we saw each other. I always thank my readers including Tommy. Without you, there wouldn’t be much point in writing, would there? I also know and appreciate my audience. I realize that many of the things I put into words confirm your thoughts and concerns.

I send my deepest condolences to the Greene Family and all members of Greene Publishing. I would extend that to our entire community. Tommy may have been short in stature, but he was a giant in spirit. Now, he is in the company of angels. God Rest.

As I continue to recover from the things that knocked me out in December and had me down for the count, I find out more and more how I do not miss many things. I found out today that I do not really miss eating fried chicken.

Emerald brought lunch in for the staff on Wednesday. Lunch included fried chicken and several sides. I got a fried chicken breast and I took the skin off. Inside the chicken was delicious and salty, just the way that I used to like it and the way that I was enjoying it at the time. After lunch, though, the salt had me beaten down and filling full. I do not like that feeling.

Do you have anything that makes you feel that way? It can be food or anything else that can be harmful – drugs, liquor, your temper, your attitude, a bad relationship.

Is there something that you need to lay down? I know that it will probably be a long time before I eat fried chicken again. I would not have said that before December 8, 2011, but after feeling like I always was before that date, I will lay the fried chicken to the side.

If there is something that makes you feel bad, just lay it down at the Savior’s feet and ask Him to help you get rid of it.

By Joe Boyles
Guest Columnist

A relatively new term is floating around political circles – crony capitalism. That is an unholy alliance between business and government. If the cliché “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” brings anything to mind, then you know the essence of crony capitalism. It is rampant in places like Washington where a lot of money floats around. I’m sure this disease afflicts Tallahassee also, but the big payoff is in our nation’s capital.

Some of this activity is illegal, but most is legal although ethically questionable. Remember a few years a go when Al Gore’s answer to a question concerning campaign contributions was that “there was no controlling legal authority?” That’s how politicians look at nefarious activities – if they’re advised that something isn’t against the law, then they have at it no matter how much it stinks. They live in a world where “conflict of interest” abounds.

A classic example of crony capitalism is the government sponsored enterprises – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two GSEs were a great place for government executives to be appointed and make a boatload of money. Franklin Raines and Jamie Gorelick left the Clinton Administration and made millions in a few short years from Fannie Mae. Of course, these organizations were at the very heart of the sub prime mortgage crisis and subsequent economic armegeddon that we still suffer from.

Twenty years ago, Fannie Mae’s CEO Jim Johnson began to line up politicians that would run interference for the organization when times got tough. Although Johnson was a committed Democrat, he lined up enough Republican “friends” to make his support bi-partisan. And how were these politicians rewarded for their cozy relationship – sweetheart loans, campaign contributions, and economic boosts to home constituencies.

It seems like everyday there is another revelation about crony capitalism. Close to home, Congresswoman Corrine Brown (FL-3) earmarked $22 million in funds for the clients of a lobbying firm where her daughter works. Just a coincidence?

Energy giant General Electric becomes a big supporter of green energy. It turns out that they are manufacturing a lot of machinery, especially wind turbines, which would profit greatly from green energy initiatives by the Obama Administration.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) becomes a big supporter of Obamacare and helps the Affordable Health Care Act to pass. It turns out that a rule in the legislation will allow an AARP insurance product to generate outlandish profits. Just a coincidence?

We’re aware of the bankruptcy of solar energy manufacturer Solyndra that received $535 million in federal loan guarantees that the taxpayer is now on the hook for. But what about the relationship between Solyndra and the Obama Administration, complete with campaign contributions to aid the president. Quid pro quo?

What about the congressman who earmarks a lot of money toward a landscaping technical training program? If his family owns a large sod farm, is that a conflict of interest? Just another coincidence?

Now we discover that Congress is immune to insider stock trading. What Martha Stewart went to prison for is fair game to our lawmakers. Just how many laws do they pass with an exemption clause for themselves? There ought to be a law against such, but these are the people who write the laws. Sort of like the fox guarding the henhouse. It seems like most of these guys come out of “public service” much richer than when they began. Just another coincidence?

When it comes to money and Washington, I don’t think there are any coincidences. I think that everything is calculated. I don’t know how to stop it. But I know the right thing to do when we discover it is to throw the bums out.

By Jacob Bembry

The warrior dons his breastplate, puts on his shoes and grabs his sword and his shield. He is prepared to do battle against the mightiest foe.

The businessman dons his three-piece suit, puts on his shoes, grabs his briefcase and feels overwhelmed by his opponent, the economy.

The journalist dons his everyday wear, puts on his shoes, grabs his computer and notes and feels like he is fighting an endless battle, trying to shine light on the truth.

All of these people have something in common. They all have battles to fight. All of them also have on shoes.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if there were no shoes? I enjoy going barefooted around the house but it is still dangerous. Many times, there are unseen dangers that I may step on and hurt my foot. The feet are protected however when I am wearing shoes.

In Ephesians, we are told to put on the shoes of the Gospel of Peace. We need to go out and proclaim to the world that Christ lives in us.

I feel there is no person in the world who has more reason to tell people about Christ than I do. God answered prayers and lifted me back on my feet in December 2011 when I literally looked death in the face.

I want to tell the world about Christ but I must make sure that I put on my best shoes to do it so that I might not stumble on a rock or get my feet cut by glass when I do it.

By Diann Douglas
Guest Columnist

America Saves, a nation- wide campaign, begins Sunday, February 19th – February 26th. This campaign is a broad coalition of nonprofit, corporate, and government agencies help individuals and families save and build wealth. The Extension Service is a collaborator in this campaign and we are helping promote the message, “Set a goal, Make a plan, Save automatically”. Through information and education, Americans are being encouraged to pay down debt, build an emergency fund and save for a home, education and retirement.

Sounds like a tall order, but it is consistent amounts of money over time that builds up savings. According to America Saves, research shows that there are “savers” and “spenders” in all income levels. Understandably, modest incomes can’t save as much as a family at a higher income level; however, all have the ability to build wealth over time.

In Florida, we are promoting the idea to start small and think big. Over time small amounts of money will grow. One of the first steps you can take is to build an emergency fund. While we know savings accounts don’t pay much interest, the purpose of this type of savings is to have money for unexpected expenses. It keeps you from putting purchases on your credit card which cost more in the long run because of interest charges. It is estimated that Americans take out $2 billion a year in high interest rates to cover unexpected bills. A goal of $500 to $1,000 in an emergency fund will allow you to meet unexpected challenges such as a car repair, a visit to the doctor or a home repair.

Financial experts recommend individuals have an emergency savings in a bank or credit union savings account. Keeping emergency money separate from your checking account will reduce the temptation to use it for every day purchases. A regular savings account offers easy access to your money for any unexpected expense you might encounter. Some banks have a minimum deposit to open an account and a minimum balance to avoid fees, so you may need to put money in a jar for a few months until you have enough to open an account.

If you want to build an emergency fund, but just don’t have the money, take a hard look at your spending habits. That soda you buy every day or the stops for a quick meal because you are too tired to cook may be draining your wallet. We all spend much more than we think, so try eliminating one habit and save the money. Another easy way to accumulate money is to empty your loose change each night; you’ll be surprised how much money you’ll have at the end of the month.

Once your emergency account is funded, you can expand your savings to reach long term goals, like a down payment for a house or a child’s college education. There are many alternatives available for savings and investing money; wise consumers research their options before making decisions. Make the pledge to be a saver by going to www.americasaves.org/enroll and enrolling, you will receive a newsletter throughout the year with ideas on growing your money. For more information on managing money or saving money contact the Madison County Extension Service.

The University of Florida Extension/IFAS Extension – Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, education- al information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability.

By Joe Boyles
Guest Columnist

I recently spent 12 days in Los Angeles caring for my two grandchildren while my son’s work took him out of town. To be more specific, I was in El Segundo, an older community on the coast sandwiched between LAX (the airport) to the north and the Chevron refinery to the south. El Segundo is one of many communities in the area locals call South Bay.

El Segundo is truly a pedestrian town. Walking from my son’s apartment to the children’s school takes 15 minutes; to the beach is 15 minutes; to downtown is 5 minutes; and a leisurely stroll to church takes 10 minutes. And of course, the weather is ideal year round. South Bay is usually covered with a marine layer of wispy clouds that makes the temperature in the morning about 50 and in the afternoon, 70. Of course, the humidity is quite low. Just about perfect.

Housing is pretty expensive in this community, about $350-400 per square foot, even in the current economy. The lots are small — about 50×100 is standard. Yards are quite small but usually very well cared for. Some residents opt for no grass at all, just covering their small open space with patios and gardens.

There is a lot of community pride in this small suburb of America’s largest city. Parks and recreation facilities are everywhere and the schools, although old, are immaculate. In the town square is a nice sign that advertises the location of the city’s many churches. The baseball park is named for George Brett, the Hall-Of-Fame third baseman who grew up in El Segundo.

So how do people earn a living in a place like El Segundo? I’m certain that the airport and refinery are big employers. There is also an Air Force station in the city limits where space development is the primary mission. What kinds of companies make satellites? Logos on high rises indicate that Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed-Martin and Mattel all have a presence. The education level in the community is quite high.

Having a refinery next door may sound like a mess, but it isn’t. The refinery has been there for a hundred years. It takes up more than 600 acres of land space but seems quite clean. The oil tankers offload in offshore artificial piers where their cargo is pumped underground into the refinery for processing. This is a huge economic engine not only for the community, but all Southern California. Energy powers the economy.

In reading the local news, there are a lot of liberal ideas bounding around, especially on topics like green energy and high-speed rail. But these ideas may be mostly theory rather than practice. Out of hundreds of homes I saw, only one sported solar collectors on the roof.

I think El Segundo is far enough on the periphery of Los Angeles to have a small town rather than a big city feel. And the people are very friendly, a trait often missing in the city. While there’s no place like home, I like El Segundo.

Footnote: When I wrote last week about the Republican primaries, was I too quick to write off Rick Santorum following his three state caucus sweep last week? Is he the solid conservative alternative to Mitt Romney? Does he have the organization and fundraising to stay with the front runner? We’ll see.

Another Footnote: When you read this, Linda and I will be in Israel following the footsteps of Jesus. I hope to report on our trip when I return. Please pray for our leader, Bob Laidlaw, and the other pilgrims for an inspiring trip and safe return. God Bless.

By Mark Buescher, C.P.A.
Guest Columnist

The new year is in full swing in Madison and it’s time to look forward to the rest of 2012. For tax planning purposes, you might want to look forward to 2013 as well, so you’re ready for federal tax law changes – those presently scheduled to arrive and those likely to be implemented.

For both types, early planning that incorporates strategies for reducing the impact of higher tax rates is a smart move. Why? One reason is the possibility of increased capital gain and ordinary income tax rates in 2013, after current rules expire.

Another is the 2010 health care laws, which introduced two new surtaxes slated to kick in next January. These taxes apply to wages, self-employment, and investment income. There are certain moves to consider now to offset the impact of changes currently scheduled to begin in 2013.

First, make smart investment decisions. As you make investment decisions during 2012, look for ways to take advantage of this year’s maximum long-term capital gain rate of 15%. For instance, you might sell appreciated assets before year-end and postpone selling those with losses until 2013.

When your modified adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 on a joint return ($200,000 when you’re single), accelerating gains and deferring losses will mitigate the impact of the new 3.8% Medicare surtax on unearned income. This tax is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2013, and it applies to interest, dividends, rents, royalties, annuities, and capital gains in addition to the regular capital gain tax.

Perhaps you believe a stock in your portfolio has the potential for additional appreciation over the next year or two. Review your overall investment strategy, trans- action costs, and your tax bracket, and determine if it makes sense to sell the stock this year and immediately re-purchase it.

The result? You pay tax on your 2012 tax return for the gain already accrued, and you end up with increased basis in the future year when you’re ready to liquidate your stake. Higher basis means lower taxable gain and less tax.

Another thought as we look ahead: plan for higher taxes on dividends. Remember, too, under present rules dividends will no longer qualify for favorable capital gain rates after 2012. Instead, they’ll be taxed as ordinary income. If you are the owner of a C corporation, you might want to distribute dividends to yourself and your shareholders before year-end.

While double taxation of dividends can be a concern, the strategy can be especially effective if you qualify for the 10% or 15% tax brackets, where the applicable capital gain rate for 2012 is zero. When you’re married filing jointly, those brackets – and the zero percent rate – apply to taxable income of up to $70,700 for 2012.

Another way to prepare for higher capital gain rates is to shift your investments to assets that generate tax-exempt income, such as municipal bonds. Tax-exempt income is not part of the calculation when figuring the surtax on unearned income.

Setting up a retirement plan for your business in 2012 is another sound move. Contributing to a qualified plan gives you a double benefit in the future, when the Medicare surtax on net investment income takes effect. Benefit one: The contributions are made pre-tax. That can help keep your modified AGI below the $200,000/ $250,000 threshold imposed by the surtax. Benefit two: Qualified withdrawals you take after you retire are not subject to the surtax.

With the current tax rates scheduled to end after December 31, 2012, this year becomes a critical one for tax planning. The general expectation is that rates will go higher in 2013, at least for wealthier taxpayers.

The coming tax changes are comprehensive and your tax-saving plan needs to be comprehensive as well. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to make adjustments throughout the year as the law and your tax situation evolves.

Mark Buescher, CPA is owner and principal of Buescher and Ruff, LLC, a local full service accounting firm in Madison, specializing in tax preparation, business consulting and tax planning. Tax laws contain varying effective dates and numerous limitations and exemptions that cannot be summarized easily. For details and guidance for your specific situation, contact your tax advisor.

By Jacob Bembry
Editor

Once upon a time, in a fairy tale land and in a fairy tale castle lived the most beautiful princess ever written about. Like Helen of Troy in mythology, her face launched a thousand ships. Poets wrote poems about her but they could not capture her essence. The world’s master artists attempted to paint her but they could not capture her beauty.

She not only had beauty. She also had a great voice and a talent for music. People loved to hear her sing, for in the sound of her song, one could hear the beat of her heart. In that beat, though, there was a longing – the longing was for her one true love and for things not of this world.

Each evening, she would gaze out her window at the heavens and wish upon a star. Somewhere, far away, there had to be a kingdom other than the realm that she reigned over.

Far, far away, there lived a pauper who had only seen one of the paintings of the princess hanging in a museum. The beauty that the master had captured with oils on the canvas had failed miserably at capturing her true beauty but it was enough to stir a passion in the pauper. He yearned to meet her but how could he do it? He was but a poor, hardworking soul that knew his station in life. She was a princess.

The pauper looked at the book that he had owned for years. He felt its leather binding. It had been given to him as a child by his grandmother. It was the only book that he had ever owned but how he loved to read it. The book was filled with stories about history and mystery. There were tales of intrigue in it. It was filled with poetry and there were even stories of romance in it.

Towards the end of the book, there seemed to be a theme that brought the first part of the book together. In that part, there were stories about one Man. The pauper thought of how the princess would love to read about the Man.

He lovingly wrote a letter to the princess and found a box to put the treasured book in. He scraped up enough pennies for postage and mailed the letter and the book to the princess.

When the princess got the book, she began to read it. She devoured every word in it. As she got near the end, she learned about the Man. The Man’s name was Jesus.

As she sat in the bedroom of her castle, everything that had once before appeared beautiful to her now seemed drab and ugly. Even her reflection in the mirror had changed.

She fell to her knees beside her bed and asked Jesus to come into her heart and fill that longing and make everything beautiful again. He heard that prayer and faithfully answered it.

The longing for her one true love remained but she knew where to find him. She looked at the return address on the box containing the book. She ordered a team of horses drawn up and she had her driver take her to the pauper.

When she arrived, their eyes locked. She was beautiful but she saw in him a beauty she knew that was created by his warm, caring heart.

They embraced. She whispered in his ear that he was to come and marry her and be her prince.

The two of them lived in the kingdom on Earth, but knew that they had been promised a kingdom not made with man’s hands because in accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, they were both children of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

And they lived happily ever after on Earth and then in Heaven.

By Diann Douglas
Guest Columnist

USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend choosing a diet low in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fats and using monounsaturated fats; all part of a plan to reduce your risk of heart disease. What a tall order! And, do you understand the difference between these fats? This week in National Heart Month, let’s explore the issue of fat and ways to get more heart healthy fats into your diet.

According to Dr. Linda Bobroff, UF Extension Nutrition Specialist, fat is an essential nutrient in our diets. It is a source of energy, or calories and is needed to help with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. The problem with fat in our diets is that we eat too much.

Fats are made up of a mixture of fatty acids; they can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Saturated fats tend to raise cholesterol levels which increase your risk of heart disease; it is recommended we limit the intake of foods high in this type of fat. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and can be found in animal sources of food; examples are butter, cream, and beef fat. The exceptions to the rule are coconut, palm and palm kernel oil, which are often used in commercial baked goods, cookies and crackers.

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is part of all human and animal cells. It is needed to form hormones, cell membranes and other body substances. Since your body makes its own, you don’t need extra cholesterol in your diet. Over time, high levels of cholesterol cause plaque to collect along the walls of your blood vessels resulting in restricted blood flow or blockages. It is recommended that you keep cholesterol take to 300 mg. each day. Cholesterol is found animal sources of food; meat and whole dairy. Usually when you alter you fat intake for saturated fats you also reduce cholesterol.

Trans fats have been in the news in recent years, they are formed when liquid oils are made into solid fats, although small amounts are found naturally in some animal-based foods. Like saturated fat, trans fats raise LDL cholesterol in blood, which increases the risk of heart disease. Manufacturers now have to label their products for trans fats.

Reading nutrition labels and ingredients lists can help identify the amount of fat in a food product. The nutrition label will also list total fat—saturated, unsaturated and trans -fats. Ingredients are listed in descending order. To keep your fat intake within reason, choose foods with fat listed lower on the ingredient list. Choose foods with low amounts of fat, saturated and trans fats on the label.

Polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and do not increase cholesterol levels. Corn oil is an example of this type of fat. It is a healthier fat to use and many recipes have been developed to use this fat in baked produce such as biscuits.

Monounsaturated fats are the better choice; they are liquid at room temperature and tend to help lower cholesterol. That’s right, they help carry cholesterol out of the body. Remember though, all fats are high in calories and should be used sparingly. Canola oil is the highest in monounsaturated fats. Other liquid oils like olive, peanut and safflower are all high in monounsaturated fats.

So, how do you apply these recommendations in daily eating habits? When preparing food, use fat free milk, lean cuts of meat and remove the skin from poultry. Forget frying altogether, there are so many interesting low fat cooking methods; try baking, roasting, steaming or grilling. If you have grandma’s favorite recipe that is high fat and can’t live without it, consider eating it less often, have a smaller portion or modify the recipe and use a heart healthy fat.

All fats are not equal, change the type of fat you use and then reduce the total amount. Start by drastically reducing saturated fats and substitute monounsaturated fats in your diet. For more information on fat in your diet, call the Madison Extension office for your copy of “Nutrition for Health and Fitness: Fat in Your Diet”.

The University of Florida Extension/IFAS – Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.

By Joe Boyles
Guest Columnist

Last week, Floridians went to the polls to select their preference for the Republican nomination to face off this fall against President Obama. While Madison Republicans favored former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, the state overwhelmingly voted to support former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for the nomination. The other two candidates still in the race, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul were relegated to also-ran status.

I cast my vote for Mitt Romney. Let me explain why and see if it makes any sense to you.

To my way of thinking, the two most vexing problems that our nation faces is a moribund economy (2011 GDP grew at an anemic 1.7 percent) and out-of-control spending by power-drunk politicians. This has led to 12 million unemployed or under employed Americans and a debt crisis that threatens to swamp our economy. As I look at the field of presidential candidates, I’m looking for someone who is equipped to provide the leadership to address this twin-headed monster.

It certainly isn’t Barack Obama; he’s a major contributor to the problem — hardly the solution. The Washington political elites like Gingrich and Santorum haven’t had the economic and business experience to prove they are equipped to meet the challenge. I would say the same about Paul and Bachman although they seem to recognize the problem more than most. While Huntsman never caught fire, Perry seemed to be lost in the wilderness of the national campaign. At one point, I had some hope for Herman Cain but other things got in the way and derailed his campaign. Gary Johnson and Tim Pawlenty are forgotten memories.

By process of elimination, I’m down to my last straw or in this case, candidate. That would be Mitt Romney. What is to like and what is not?

I like the idea that he comes from a business background. As the CEO of Bain Capital, Romney spent nearly two decades managing one of our nations’ largest private venture capital firms. Bain looked at both existing businesses and new ventures for potential to invest their capital. These were businesses that required new management or better organization or a boost to turn their fortunes around. Bain had an amazing track record during Romney’s tenure of picking winners and losers.

In the late 1990s as Salt Lake City was preparing to host the Winter Olympic Games, they faced a royal mess. The Mormons selected one of their own, Mitt Romney, to sort through the wreckage and put things right. He did an amazing job in less than two years and the games were a roaring success. He’s a problem solver.

In 2002, he was elected governor of liberal Massachusetts and served one term. He did a lot of things right in a difficult political environment. Late in his single term, he signed into law a universal health care law for Massachusetts which has been dubbed Romneycare, the model for our 2011 national Obamacare law. Romneycare is his biggest stumbling block, in my opinion, and he’s going to have to do a better job of explaining it and his vision of healthcare in order to draw distinction between his and Obama’s ideas.

Many southerners are naturally suspicious of anyone from Massachusetts. I share your mistrust. My ancestors arrived on the shores of the Bay State in 1638 and left two generations later. This was the same time when the good citizens of Salem were burning witches. As best we can tell, this historical footnote is merely a coincidence, but you never know. If I were to return to Taxachusetts today, I would be a fish-out-of-water. As far as lingering charges of witchcraft are concerned, the statute of limitations has passed – I think.

Before I close this column, let me say something about Newt Gingrich. I first met him in 1983 when he spoke to my class at the Air Command and Staff College. We were very impressed with the young congressman, but before long, I learned that he had a reputation as a political “bomb thrower.” Good revolutionaries like Newt do not equate to good governance. History tells us that some of the great American revolutionaries like Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams disappeared in its aftermath.

Three and a half years ago as we came to the 2008 general election, I realized that Republicans had made a fatal error. We nominated a national security candidate, John McCain, who knew next to zero about economic matters. But following the failure of Lehman Brothers on September 17th, the economy was the only thing that really mattered. With his background, Mitt Romney could have explained the issue and addressed the problem in the final six weeks of the campaign, but McCain was lost. I don’t know that Romney could have beaten Obama that year, but he certainly was better equipped to oppose him considering the primary issue at hand.

That was then and this is now. The economy is still the key issue although not in crisis stage like it was in late 2008. Obama’s policies, buoyed by tired Keynesian economics, have failed miserably. Obama’s economic policies are akin to a runner with one foot nailed to the surface, simply running in circles. Mitt Romney can explain this and show that, with the proper free-market approach, the runner can be liberated to run a good race. He’s the best man, in my opinion, available now to lead our nation and the world out of economic quagmire.

By Jacob Bembry

As the younger man approached, he could smell the burning leaves and hear the rake, which gathered the leaves into the pile with a whooshing sound. Under foot, he could hear the crackling of the small branches, which had fallen from the trees. They gently broke beneath soft footfall. The crisp autumn air felt good. It was just a tad chilly but the closer he got to the fire, the warmer he became. The fire provided warmth and comfort. The younger man was now in a comfort zone and he stood beside the old man who kept sweeping the leaves onto the fire.

The younger man realized his whole world had been a world of comfort. While he did not live in a house with crystal chandeliers or drive an expensive car, he did know comfort. He had a roof over his head and a vehicle to drive back and forth to work in. The fare set before him at mealtime was always sumptuous and he enjoyed every morsel that he put in his mouth. He was well clothed, whether he was well dressed or not. His shoes protected the soles of his feet, even though a soul had not had to be sold to pay the price for them.

“Thank you, God, for all your blessings,” the younger man said silently as he reached over to offer to take the rake from the older man. The old man gave up the rake without a struggle and watched the younger man take up his battle against the leaves.

The old man had been responsible for much of the comfort the young man knew. He had taught him also to step out of his comfort zone and to stand up for the things he believed in. Like his father, the son believed in God, family and country.

Have you stepped out of your comfort zone today? Or are you content to feast on God’s blessings while there is a famine in your soul? Let God take you out of the comfort zone.

Today, is a day to wear red in support of the movement for women to take charge of heart health. It’s National Heart Month and this year the American Heart Association will focus on raising awareness to the fact of heart disease in women. Heart disease traditionally thought to be a man’s disease, it is the No. 1 killer of women.

In the past, many of the major cardiovascular research studies were conducted on men. Results of clinical studies underway may help clarify the gender differences that affect diagnosis and treatment of women with heart disease.

According to the AHA, both men and women may present “classic” chest pain that grips the chest and spreads to the shoulder, neck or arms. But, often women may have a greater tendency to have atypical chest pain or to complain of abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, nausea and unexplained fatigue. These symptoms are overlooked and often dismissed.

Knowing your numbers is an important part of keeping your heart healthy. The American Heart Association recommends the following:
Total cholesterol — Less than 200 mg/dl
LDL (bad) cholesterol
• Low risk for heart disease — less than 160mg/dl
• Intermediate risk for heart disease — less than 130 mg/dl
• High risk for heart disease – less than 100 mg/dl
HDL (good) cholesterol – 50 mg/dl or higher
Triglycerides – Less than 150mg/dl
Blood pressure – Less than 120/80 mmHg

Other recommendations to reduce your risk include daily exercise, eating a balance diet, stop smoking and visit your doctor.

Work on healthy eating habits, it is one of the best things you can do to combat heart disease. There is a lot of confusing information out there about how to eat well. In a quick summary, increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables; they are high in nutrients and fiber while low in calories. Eat more whole grain foods, to be sure you are getting whole grains, read the ingredient labels and look for the words “whole-grains.” Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and low fat dairy foods.
For more information about National Heart Month go the American Heart Association’s website at www.americanheart.org For more information on healthy eating habits, contact the Madison County Extension Service.

The University of Florida Extension – Madison County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.

By Joe Boyles
Guest Columnist

I recently read “Inside Seal Team Six” by Don “Doc” Mann with Ralph Pezullo. In light of the recent successes attributed to ST-6 including the assassination of Osama bin Laden, Doc Mann has written an engaging autobiography of his twenty year Navy career, most of it as a Seal and member of the elite team 6.

First, let me issue a warning. This book is heavily redacted, meaning that significant sections of the book are blacked out for security reasons. Rather than deleting the sections, heavy black lines over deleted text make some stories hard to follow. The Seals (which is an acronym for sea, air, land) are a shadowy organization that shuns the limelight. They thrive on anonymity.

Don Mann grew up in New England during the 1970s. From the start, he was an adrenalin junkie, a speed freak, always pushing himself to go faster and farther. As a teenager, he was in constant trouble with the law. As he puts it, Mann was on a fast track toward prison or an early grave when he decided to channel his energies toward the Navy. From the start, he wanted to be a Seal.

But the Navy doesn’t pick Seals from raw recruits, so after breezing through basic training, Don Mann was designated a corpsman, what the Army calls a medic. Thus, Don Mann became Doc Mann early in his military career. To push himself further, he began to enter long distance races like Ironman competitions with no preparation and rudimentary equipment. His competitive spirit and will to win was evident with consistently high finishes against seasoned performers. At one point, he trained himself so hard that his organs began to shut down from exhaustion. This is extreme!

Fairly early, the Seals decided they needed a medic and Mann passed the demanding physical and mental entrance requirements, so he was off to BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/Seal) training at Coronado Island near San Diego. Frogman is a thing of the past; today’s Navy trains Seals. It has been said that BUD/S training is the most difficult of any military preparation course. Doc Mann began in a class of one hundred; 23 finished. Even after graduation from BUD/S, the apprentice Seal is on six months probation before being eligible for the coveted trident badge. And make no mistake, there are no women in the Seals. It’s a man’s world.

Being a medic, Doc Mann received some highly specialized medical training, including training at the Army’s infamous “Goat Lab.” He spent a great deal of time working in trauma centers because that would be the worst case scenario for his work as a Seal. His skills were called on repeatedly throughout his career.

Mann’s first assignment with the Seals was Team 1 which is based on the west coast at Coronado. But before long, Team 6 showed up to interview prospective candidates. Again, Mann’s training as a corpsman helped him stand out and he was selected for the elite unit.

Doc Mann’s duty took him to places like Somalia, Panama, El Salvador, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Twice he was captured by insurgent forces, both times talking his way out of a jam. Always, his bags were packed for a quick reaction departure to a troubled hot spot. Every operation was covert. Seals like Mann would prefer that no one knows their name or where they are. They live, move, and thrive in darkness.

Every Seal has additional duties on his team. In addition to being a corpsman directing all medical actions, Doc Mann was always his team’s lead climber. Whether the task called for boarding a ship; an oil rig; or climbing a mountain, he was always the first one on the rope to secure the objective, clearing the way for others to climb. As a fitness guru and long distance racer, he frequently established the most grueling training programs on his team. Today in his mid-50s and “retirement,” he trains recruits in Virginia before they depart for BUD/S. This is one tough cookie.

The rescue last week of two relief workers from Somalia highlights what the Seals and Team 6 are about. The squad parachuted silently out of a special ops cargo plane from high altitude, probably a high altitude, high opening (HAHO) approach. They landed at night in close proximity, buried their chutes, and formed into patrol to approach the target. The engagement was short-lived and resulted in all nine enemy killed. The hostages were rescued, stabilized and quickly taken to an extract point where a special ops helicopter using night vision equipment lifted everyone to safety. The entire operation was highly rehearsed and measured in minutes.

Another word of warning: with 300 days of away time each year, intense training and frequent injury, the Seals aren’t noted for stable marriages. Mann documents two failed marriages and estranged family as a result of his personality and career. But if you had a Seal as a next door neighbor, you would never fear a home invasion.

The Seals aren’t for everyone; in fact, they are only for a few. But they’re on our side, and we’re safer because they move silently through the night and dispatch our enemies.

By Joe Boyles
Guest Columnist

Editor’s note: “Stray Vectors” is the author’s byline for random thoughts on the passing scene.

Here is the dirty little secret that Obamacare’s individual mandate rests upon. Thirty million will be added to Medicaid with the new law in 2014. Who pays for this new glut of healthcare consumers? Answer: the healthy, young people who don’t access healthcare but will be forced to buy an insurance policy under the individual mandate. Just a little political sleight of hand!

One of the things I see missing on the debate over alternate energy is concentration. Traditional forms of energy like oil, gas, and coal are very concentrated in their inherent stored energy. Nuclear fuel is extremely concentrated. But solar and wind are not. It takes a lot of space (land use) to provide solar and wind powered energy in any appreciable amount.

The president makes what seems to be a reasonable point about a “balanced approach” to deficit reduction, but there’s one thing that nags at me. All of the tax increases are upfront while the spending reductions are delayed to the out-years … so they can be undone by future congresses. I smell a rat!

It’s hard to criticize a blue-chip college athlete leaving for professional sports early. You have to weigh the injury bug. But college is pretty special too. I’ve heard more than one ex-Gator saying the greatest thrill in sports is entering the Swamp through the south tunnel.

I wonder how much money the politically elite have wasted on the subject of anti-bullying in schools? I bet that Taylor Swift’s song and video “Mean” has had a larger impact on the subject than any government effort. Never underestimate the impact of popular culture when you’re trying to reach and reason with young people.

Why are so much of the climate change/global warming data suspect? Because the “scientists” providing the analysis were on the payroll of grants and foundations to provide data that fit the narrative. If the data didn’t fit, it was either ignored or manipulated. With accounting fraud, this is known as “cooking the books.”

The modern western welfare state will collapse. It isn’t a matter of if but rather when. The state of the economy and demographics will not support a house built with flimsy cards.

It appears that the government suppressed warning and danger information to Chevy Volt owners that delayed fires may result from overheated lithium-ion batteries following a crash. Isn’t this the same government that we want to put in charge of all of our health-care decisions when Obamacare if fully implemented? Com’on people!!!!!

Businesses aren’t expanding and unemployment is stubbornly high. Want to know a way to turn this mess around? Stabilize the tax policy. Cut out this tax holiday and millionaire surcharge garbage and set tax policy for a set period, then leave it alone. Give business something they can count on.

With all the government subsidies and rebates, the Chevy Volt is costing nearly $250,000 per copy. And the sales are bolstered by government fleet buys. It’s early, but maybe we should rename the Volt to the “boondoggle.”

Media Matters, a liberal news organization, got caught with their hand in the cookie jar by directing young Girl Scouts to their website. It shouldn’t be a surprise that liberal groups have infiltrated the Girl Scouts. The pro-abortion crowd did it years ago. They will come “like a thief in the night.”

I have some advice for everyone, regardless of your political stripes. When you put your faith in politicians, you are bound to be disappointed.

Paul Krugman of the New York Times says that we don’t understand debt. I think we do. Remember the bumper sticker that read, “I owe, I owe, It’s off to work I go?” Debt is economic slavery.

More on solar — the reason why companies like First Solar are falling faster then water over the falls is that it is a bad business concept. Solar power costs 21 cents/kilowatt hour, nearly twice the national average. The greenies bemoan: we simply must make electrical power more expensive. Huh?

You might think that I’d be the first out of the box to criticize President Obama for taking an axe to the military, but I’m holding my fire to understand the strategy and resulting force structure. Stand by.

Legend has it that Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Maybe the modern metaphor is that Obama golfed while America burned.

A conversation in the middle of the night between two lonely people inspired these lyrics. She and I were discussing how we both knew so many people but there was something missing. I told her I was going to write about the loneliness. She asked me not to write about it unless I included the answer to the loneliness. The answer I found is prayer and I hope the prayer shows through in the following lyrics:

Bought Out

So many times I have sought out
Someone whose heart has been bought out
By the Blood of the Lamb and the Great I Am
I’ve endured many long and lonely nights
Searching for someone whose heart ‘s made right
By the Blood of the Lamb and the Great I Am.
Send me the one who will love me,
The one whose heart’s pure not ugly,
So they can heal this broken heart.
There are millions of people I know,
And millions of places I could go,
But I don’t want to do anything unpleasing to you,
So send me that person I have sought out
The one whose heart has been bought out
By the Blood of the Lamb and the Great I Am.
The seasons come and the seasons go
And the winds of change may blow
But I need someone who will be
True to You and true to me
So send the one who I’ve sought out
The one whose heart has been bought out
By the Blood of the Lamb and the Great I Am.