Who's confiscating your 401(k) and IRA? Dateline Raleigh, NC, November 6, 2008: Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives discuss confiscating our 401(k)s and IRAs, by Carolina Journal Online reporter Karen McMahan.

This shocking pronouncement is certainly an attention grabber, which if even partially true, would have an impact on nearly every employed and retired American. The basis for the report is testimony before the House Committee on Education and Labor in early October.

Dr. Teresa Ghilarducci is one of many witnesses (scholars, retirees, activists, an investment mogul, and benefits experts) who were interviewed by the committee members. (I was skipped over once again, but a receptive person in the HCEL was willing to forward a listing of my articles to the right person. I expect an invitation to testify momentarily)

McMahan writes: "Dr. Ghilarducci, professor of economic policy analysis at the New School for Social Research, drew the most attention and criticism. She proposed that the government eliminate tax breaks for 401(k) and similar retirement accounts, such as IRAs, and confiscate workers' retirement plan accounts and convert them to universal Guaranteed Retirement Accounts (GRAs) managed by the Social Security Administration."

Several people have asked me to comment on the probability of such a radical approach ever getting any support, much less actually being implemented. Most feel that even the most socialistic of legislators would give the doctor's ideas a quick thumbs down. I agree that they should, but part of the concept, tuned up "capitalistically", could be precisely what this investment doctor would order.

Years ago, a not-quite-as-sophisticated-as-the-internet rumor mill spread a story that the Feds were scouring the countryside, knocking on doors, and confiscating $100 bills. The purpose of the venture was to put an end to the income-tax-dodging underground economy of the 80's. Babysitters panicked, restaurateurs iced their C-notes in freezers, and self-employed franchisees plotted Caponesque money laundering schemes.

Nothing happened then that a 10% (or lower) Federal sales tax (coupled with seriously lower income taxes at all levels) wouldn't cure today. So as scary as a 401(k) or IRA confiscation plan would be now, the panic will likely fade quietly away, just like the $100 bill outrage of the 80's. The underground tax dodging continues, and at a magnitude that dwarfs any temporary tax relief that is afforded today's self-directed savings plans.

One would think that, as a society, we would be capable of pouncing upon opportunities for brilliant solutions to problems of fairness like these. We just can't seem to get out of our own political way. The fix to the retirement investment account fiasco is only slightly more complex than the incredibly easy solution to Social Security.

Dr. Ghilarducci has presented a socialist solution to a problem that could easily be dealt with using rudimentary controls that would limit the amount of risk allowed inside these tax deferred savings devices. She also ignores the fact that most self-directed money lies in voluntary, privately sponsored, employee benefit programs--- emphasis on voluntary and private.

Self-directed retirement accounts could be controlled as to content and asset allocation to: 1) assure that a reasonable proportion of all accounts are guaranteed as to principal and interest, and 2) preclude ownership of high-risk securities.

I'm not sure that the good doctor grasps the distinction between a self-directed, defined-contribution, investment plan and a guaranteed, defined-benefit, pension plan. Most plan participants are led to believe that the former is just as secure as the latter. Sorry, Charlie.

The problems are to control the speculative enthusiasm of the unqualified self-directors, and to create a way for captive beneficiaries of the phantom Social Security trust fund to augment their guaranteed retirement benefits.

A few simple standards would create a whole new set of conservatively managed "retirement plan only" mutual funds, with reduced management fees--- in deference to their captive audience and less speculative composition. Plan participants would not be able to speculate with their savings as they are today.

Some form of oversight would be needed to assure that no raw speculation was allowed into the new breed of standard mutual funds and CEFs. Instead, Dr. Ghilarducci visualizes all your no-longer-self-directed money finding a new home in the Social Security Administration's toy chest--- thus transforming a behemoth bureaucracy into an investment management giant! This is just too alarming for words---

But, what if, instead of a Guaranteed Retirement Account, we adopted a whole new system based on the SSRIA? (Google it.) No, it doesn't exist yet, but the private sector could certainly provide it in a commission free, guaranteed income only contract, tomorrow.

The SSA could oversee the providors, who collectively have thousands of years' experience, and thousands of investment professionals capable of managing guaranteed income vehicles. Just think about it. All employees could opt out of Social Security, and make a smaller, mandated contribution to their one SSRIA.

Employers could include the SSRIA as an option for both self-directed and matching contributions. Only SIBORAP Tier One securities would be acceptable investments. Existing Social Security balances could be frozen or directed to the personal SSRIAs.

This approach, admittedly far too simple for consideration, would create thousands of new jobs, eliminate the Social Security funding mess, add billions to personal disposable incomes, and with supervision, allow employers to cut prices, increase salaries and dividends, and create jobs.

Some would say that this approach can't work with our broken system, as evidenced by the legions of Wall Street fat cats who encourage the creation of toxic products and who routinely pilfer shareholder treasuries for ludicrous sums. Shareholders should solve that problem, not the government--- but the government could help if they chose to.

Pure capitalism disappeared years ago, traded in for a less efficient, but fairer, regulated version. It's the regulators and their overseers that failed, leading us multi-derivative miles from the pure simplicity of stocks and bonds.

About the Author

Steve Selengut
Sanco Services
Kiawa Golf Investment Seminars
Author: "The Brainwashing of the American Investor: The Book that Wall Street Does Not Want YOU to Read" and "A Millionaire's Secret Investment Strategy".

Article Source: Content for Reprint

[Source : Full text finance | personal-finance articles - Content for Reprint]

Sadly, many teens today are overweight and some battle obesity. This is a challenge that our children simply shouldn't have to face alone. They deserve to have our help losing weight. Losing weight can be challenging and helping our teens lose weight gives them a much better life in so many ways. Fortunately, there are some easy and practical things you can do for your heavy teen to help them to lose weight.

Start your teen on a regimented weight loss plan. There are many healthy diets out there. You can easily ask your teen's doctor for suggestions as to which diet would be best for your teen, or perhaps they will even give you a diet to put them on. Helping your teen start a regimented diet is so useful as they will start weighing and measuring their portions and counting calories. This will help control what they are eating and it will mean that they intake less calories. It is the first step to losing weight.

Engage in positive talk about your teen's diet. Many parents criticize that's a normal thing. Some parents even nag about things and this is pretty normal too. But for your teen to be successful at their diet, you'll want to encourage them with positive talk. For example when they stick to their diet for a day, say something positive like you've had a really great day today on your diet. That's great! Or if your teen ate something they shouldn't have, still engage in positive talk by saying well you may have eaten that, but you are getting right back on track and that's the most important thing. Look at how hard you are working.

Help your teen find exercise they love. Some heavy teens have a tough time with exercise because they feel uncoordinated. They don't like gym class and probably don't feel like they are good at exercising. So it is obviously something they don't look forward to. You need to encourage them to find an exercise that sounds like fun. Roller blading is a popular exercise for many teens. Perhaps roller blading after they have done their homework could be an ideal exercise. Or taking a yoga class several times a week. Help them to choose something fun that encourages them to get and stay in shape.

Keep healthy food in the house. It is hard for any teen to diet in a house full of chips and ice cream. While your other children may want occasional treats, do your best to limit the unhealthy and high calorie foods in your cupboards. It will be better for your entire family and your heavy teen will lose weight at a better rate. It is easier to lose weight when you are not tempted each step of the way. Cook foods that they enjoy and make fruits and vegetables a big part of every meal.

Reward your teen's dieting success. Dieting is hard work. So your teen should be rewarded for their success. Let them pick out some type of treat like an MP3 player or something they would like for reaching their goal weight. This can be something that will help them stick to their diet when they are tempted. Rewards are something that we all reach for, as everyone likes to be rewarded. Your teen will also appreciate your thoughtfulness.

About the Author

Don't miss out on this amazing revolution to dieting and weight loss, it will the best move you make this year! Visit Lose weight fast

Article Source: Content for Reprint

[Source : Full text fitness | weight-loss articles - Content for Reprint]

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has become one of the most common conditions affecting children today. And the numbers are increasing.

One of the most difficult things about ADHD, for those that have it, is that it can often cause lack of sleep, or a sleep disorder. As a matter of fact, ADHD is one of the top ten causes of sleep disorders in the United States.

In most cases, the stress of not being able to sleep triggers other disorders and mental problems, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, anger etc. People with ADHD have a hard enough time controlling their emotions and it becomes even more difficult with a lack of sleep.

Although scientists and researchers are still conducting further studies into the causes of ADHD and sleep disorders there are still no concrete scientific explanations as to what causes these behavioral disorders. I firmly believe that ADHD is caused by a poor diet, lack of exercise, and exposure to too much external stimulation, such as television or video games and has little to do with anything else.

I also believe that ADHD, as well as any sleep disorder is completely curable without medication. But to find a cure you need to address the causes of the condition. Drugs, like Ritalin only hide the problem or mask it. It is still there underneath the surface.

If you are still considering giving your child drugs ask yourself this question - are the drugs more for your child, or for YOU because you want to control your child?

Diet as a Cause Of ADHD?

In the past thirty years processed foods, loaded with chemicals and preservatives, have become the staple diet for our children. In the past thirty years the rates of ADHD have skyrocketed.

A child is laying the foundation for their life, growth of their physical body and mind. If you give them junk food during this period how are they possibly going to develop a clear, sharp mind?

Simply feed a child a candy bar and a banana at different times. Then ask them to read a book after eating each. See what happens.

Do you think their body needs the nutrients from the banana or high fructose corn syrup from soda or candy to grow? How detrimental do you think the soda or candy is to their development? To me, the correlation between diet and ADHD is a no-brainer.

It is best if you can start feeding your child organic fruit and vegetables as soon as possible. They are going to want to eat junk food like their friends and that is fine sometimes, just regulate it.

Also get them to exercise as this ensures proper physical development, and reduces any stress or anxiety your child might have. This will help them sleep better as well.

ADHD Sleep Disorder And T.V.

I believe the second major cause of ADHD is external stimulation in the form of television or video games. If a child sits, mesmerized, watching a television show that has fast moving characters where the screen changes every split second over and over and over again, what do you think it does to their brain?

Not only are they almost unconscious while they are watching T.V. their brain is being trained to change thoughts in split second intervals. Over time this causes the loss of ability to focus.

So limit the amount of time your child is allowed to watch T.V. or play video games. Make them get creative to entertain themselves instead.

Make The Changes Slowly

Just to warn you as you make these changes your child will resist. Getting your child off of television, video games, and junk food will be like trying to get an adult off of drugs. That is when you may realize how serious of a problem these things are for your child.

So reduce the television and junk food slowly so you don't make your child go through withdrawals and you don't have to deal with the tantrums. About three weeks after you integrate these changes you will see a major difference in your child's behavior and sleep patterns.

About the Author

Brue M. Baker is an expert on natural health and fitness who has helped people from across the world sky-rocket their health and well-being. Rather than hitting your head against a wall trying to find unbiased health information let Brue take you by the hand and give you the best natural health resources on the web. Visit DietHealthAndFitness.com to learn more.

Article Source: Content for Reprint

[Source : Full text health articles - Content for Reprint]

Aprilia 850 Mana isn’t a ride for the hardcore biker, aimed at first-timers or at those who’ve just graduated from scooters to bikes, the Mana offers eased controls and good fuel economy. The 507 pound, 76 hp, 839 cc engine bike has a compact CVT with no clutch lever. Aprilia is selling the bike at $9899.

Via: StyleCrave

[Source : Auto Motto]

Whether traveling near or far for the holidays, it is important to remember that certain restrictions apply for different types of flights and destinations. For instance, US Airways charges $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second; although if you are traveling to and from Europe, these charges do not apply.

Tip: Traveling international usually exempts you from check-in fees and allows for extra checked-in bags; however make sure that you book your flights under one itinerary. If you book a domestic flight (even if it is a connecting flight) separately from your international flight, you will most likely be charged for your bags during check-in for your domestic flight. If the domestic flight is connecting to an international flight that was booked together, the charges normally do not apply.

When booking your flights, there are a few important factors that are worth noting:

1. If there is an option on your flight-booking website, click the button that checks all flights in your surrounding area rather than the single, closest airport. Certain airports tend to be cheaper than others due to location, accommodations, and flights.

2. Check the difference between domestic versus international airports. Domestic airports are inherently smaller and less chaotic than international airports- plus, the security check points may sometimes have shorter lines and be less strict with security.

Regardless of your destination, make sure to check the different requirements and policies of international and domestic flights to avoid being stuck with extra bags or lack of documentation at the airport.

To begin booking your flight, visit:
Real Travel Flights

Bookmark to:

[Source : RealTravel]

"The Fuji Finepix J150w is o.k. if you are looking to make small snapshot prints or to play back your photos on a television screen or computer. If you are looking to make larger prints then you are likely to come across some issues with picture quality."

Read more Fujifilm FinePix J150w Reviews / Previews: J150w at Photokina

[Source : DigiCamReview]

Join world-renowned skeptic Dr. Ignatius Lynch as he investigates strange happenings at an archeological dig site in the English countryside. Villagers fear a spectral horror has descended upon the sleepy town of Hereford, England; uncover hidden clues and discover the truth behind the ghostly apparition in this haunting Hidden Object game!

Dr. Lynch: Grave Secrets puzzle game full version features:

• An entire village to explore
• Eerie art and graphics
• Solve the spectral mystery!

Dr. Lynch: Grave Secrets puzzle game screenshots:

[Source : Zheke's blog about Casual Downloadable Games]

Hide Interests section heading on MySpace.

Question:

Kelly asks: how do you hide the interests text not the details?

Answer:

Thanks for your question, Kelly. Hiding the Interests box header on MySpace is quite simple. You’ll need to use the CSS code i attached above and apply it to your MySpace profile.

Please go ahead and copy the code from the box below:

<style>

/* Hide Interests text */

.interestsAndDetails .whitetext12{ display:none; }

</style>

Enjoy, and please don’t forget to visit our huge MySpace codes page, for more cool MySpace stuff.

[Source : A Virtual Exit]

Meta-Review: Too Human

Silicon Knight’s Norse Mythology come Science Fiction dungeon crawling RPG action game has been the subject of much controversy over its nine year conception. Now the game is finally here, what have our fellow game critics been saying?

1up.com: C- from Giancarlo Varanini

The game is simply schizophrenic; it attempts to be all things to all people and never succeeds in executing any of them well. The end result is in dire need of polish and focus, and that doesn’t solely apply to gameplay mechanics. There’s absolutely no reason why a game released in 2008 should have a bug where characters can fall through solid ground and into some pseudo abyss.

Videogamer.com: 7/10 from Wesley Yin-Poole

Ultimately it’s a game that has failed to deliver on its promise or reach its potential, but it does plenty of things right, there isn’t anything like it on the 360 and it retains a certain addictive quality we rarely experience.

GiantBomb.com: 3/5 from Jeff Gerstmann

In short, large parts of Too Human feel like they were designed to the standards of the last generation of consoles, not this one.

Eurogamer.net: 6/10 from Dan Whitehead

A more cohesive game, with an engaging story, might be able to overcome some of its many flaws. But this game, with this story, and this many problems, is always going to be on shaky ground.

Xbox 360
Xbox Live Arcade: Castle Crashers (1200 Points, August 27th)
Too Human
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
Smash Court Tennis 3

Playstation 3
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09

Wii
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09: All Play
Baroque
Soul Calibur Legends
Super Swing Golf
Legend of Sayuki

PC
The Sims 2: Apartment Life
GTR Evolution
Two Worlds: Epic Edition
Euro Truck Simulator

Nintendo DS
Bangai-O Spirits (BGB Review)
Mahjongg
Driving Theory Training
Fashion Dogz
The Sims 2: Apartment Pets
Personal Yoga Training
Imagine Teacher
My Pet Hotel 2

PSP
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09

Playstation 2
Baroque
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09

[Source : BritishGaming.co.uk]

[Source : A Socialite's Life]