(from JuicedPlanet.com)

December 22, 2003

Message #1

Point to Ponder: 'Those that would sacrifice Liberty for Security deserve neither' - B. Franklin

(I wonder what Franklin would have thought about the 'Patriot Act' - or about us for tolerating it?!)

In This Issue:

The good citizens of this country, acting through the channels of a spendthrift Congress, recently voted themselves additional largess from the public coffers in the form of Drug Prescription benefits. In the face of both massive Federal budget deficits and a HUGE balance of trade deficit, we (and a few others) wonder if the promises in this entitlement (and others similar to it) will ever be kept. Our editorial, 'It's On You', explores some of the issues, including the advisability of buying a Medical Benefits Card.

Plus:

Thoughts about PLANET WATCH . . . its mission, style, tone,

and 'message'.

And, a bit of humor . . . 'Pugglesworth Sez'.

*Endorsement*

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your website or business correspondence then please consider DavidBeck Design in Dallas, Texas. David Beck can be reached as:

beckdavid@sbcglobal.net (214-828-9622)

PLANET WATCH . . . it's mission and vision. Each nominal bi-weekly issue will speak to the human condition as we at Juiced Planet perceive it to be at the time. We will touch on the areas of Health, Wealth, and Wisdom (or the lack thereof). We hope to offer commentary that will stimulate and entertain but we do not court applause or offer apologies. Our thoughts are our own as are the interpretations of the events we collectively experience. We just ask for an open mind and an adventurous spirit on your part.

Format - We have taken a simple text layout and have limited the line width to ~55 characters so the letter reads well on nearly all browsers and eMail clients. While we like HTML (the 'Pretty Pictures'), many folks just can't accept and read messages formatted in HTML - so, simple works better.

CYA Statement: Be advised that nothing in this newsletter is to be construed as medical or financial advise. You are responsible for the actions you take. Furthermore, while we believe the information presented is accurate, we cannot warranty such accuracy - use your own good judgement, and do so at all times.

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Pugglesworth Sez . . . first, a bit of background:

I am owned by two delightful Shar Pei (wrinkle dogs) by the names of PenneyPei and Mr. Pugglesworth. They have been a delight from the very beginning and, from time-to-time, a challenge and a mystery, too. Especially Mr. Pugglesworth.

It seems Pugglesworth is a most unusual Pei in a breed that is noted for being aloof, independent, quite thoughtful, and most expressive on the weightier issues of life (like 'Dad, where are my puppy cookies?' . . . 'No Money!?' . . . 'What do you mean, no Money!?' . . . ummmm, 'What's Money?' . . . 'Oh - Well, don't confuse me with facts, just show up the next time with the cookies.') You ALWAYS know where Pugglesworth is coming from. There is no guile or deceit as the furrows in his wrinkled brow whisper volumes . . . if you but listen.

So, Pugglesworth tells me things - things that I think you'll want to hear.

While Pugglesworth thinks he's the boss, the real seat of power lies with the ever sweet, demure, PenneyPei. She's of the mien that 'What's yours is mine,' and . . . well, 'What's mine is mine' . . . so all of the toys end up in her sleeping box. While Pugglesworth contemplates the more serious issues of the world (like the depreciation of the US$), PenneyPei focuses on laughter (yes, Pei do laugh), affection, and 'Is my water dish full?' - you know, the IMPORTANT stuff! Oh, by-the-way, they BOTH HATE WATER! God forbid that their little toes should ever get even the slightest bit wet, and I am sorely chastised by reproachful glares (and snorts) if I happen to overflow their water dishes when they are eating and their feet get damp.

As for moi - in this editorial relationship I am known as 'the lowly scribe', a title no doubt passed down from the Regal Courts of Ancient Cathay when Pei ruled the roost in halcyon times of yore.

So, Dear Reader, you will be witness to (and suffer) certain observations from Pugglesworth from time-to-time as the gods of the wrinkled-world so dictate. Such dicta will be signed:

The ever vigilant Pugglesworth,

Sweet, Demure PenneyPei,

(and, the lowly scribe)

EDITORIAL: It's On You!

Wake Up America! If you or someone that you care about is in the Baby-Boomer Generation nearing retirement (or retirement is already here), then we have some information of vital importance for you!

GODZILLA TRAMPLES WASHINGTON!

America is aging at a rapid rate, as the nearly 80 million members of the 1945-1965 baby-boomer generation close in on their 60th birthdays. And, as Kiplinger's Personal Finance recently stated, many boomers will begin to retire just a few years from now. This is a Demographic Event of Colossal proportions.

DON'T SNOOZE AND GET CRUSHED . . .

If you're in this herd -- and you're counting on Uncle Sam to take care of your health care needs (let alone retirement) in your 'golden years' -- you're going to be bitterly disappointed. But, if you get in shape and make some simple dietary changes, you'll probably not have to worry as much about the Medicare promise that Uncle Sam won't be able to keep.

WHEN UNCLE SAM DISAPPEARS . . .

Medicare is going broke - and here's why:

Until now, the amount of money drawn into the Treasury from Social Security taxes 'On Paper' has exceeded the outgoing payments made by the Social Security Administration (SSA). But by 2017, the SSA will be paying out more in benefits than it collects. I say 'On Paper' because the government has dipped into the trust fund on numerous occasions and left 'promissory notes' in the form of Treasury Bonds in the place of real money. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve, Treasury, and the Administration aided and abetted by Congress is literally destroying what's left of the dollar by rampant printing of fiat dollars to fund every form of fiscal excess in sight. You can thus expect a further 30-50% devaluation of the purchasing power of your dollars over the next few years.

AND, DON'T LOOK AT US.

In their 2003 Trustees Report, the SSA said: 'if Social Security is not changed, payroll taxes will have to be increased or massive transfers from general revenues will be required.'

Neither of these things is likely to happen. Young people won't allow their payroll taxes to be increased just for the benefit of the baby boomers who squandered away the funds while they were running the government. Additionally, there are so many boomers retiring (as compared with the number of people working) that any tax increase would have to be enormous to have any real effect. And there are certainly no surpluses to be found in 'general revenues' given the Trillions in deficits that are projected. The younger generation will say, 'Hey! - We didn't get to vote in creating this mess, so don't look to us to pay for it!' . . . and, the youngsters would be correct, in my opinion.

SOMETHING HAS TO GIVE . . .

The first cuts in social spending will be slipped in quietly as the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) will just disappear. This will occur in the face of a massive loss in purchasing power.

Then, as the number of retiring boomers increases, more aggressive measures will be taken. Benefits will be cut. Or, if they're not cut, the debt will become so huge that the government will further inflate our currency - which will result in a more devalued dollar and diminished purchasing power. In either case, you'll end up with less.

SO, GOODBYE MEDICARE . . .

The outlook becomes desperate for Medicare:

* The Annals of Internal Medicine recently reported that older Americans with health problems are getting the care they need just 52% of the time. Many can't afford top doctors and facilities. When Medicare cuts payments to doctors and hospitals, the quality of senior care will rapidly deteriorate.

* The average remaining-life expectancy for 65-year-olds is currently 17.5 years, up from 12.4 years in 1935 -- and it continues to increase. This means that more people will be drawing from the same rapidly emptying pool of benefits.

* Health-care costs keep rising. A recent survey indicated that hikes in business health-care costs for 2003 alone resulted in an 18% increase for employers and a 13% increase for employees. In other words, every one of their dollars now buys less care. As further proof, for 2004, my Insurance Carrier just posted a 17.6% increase on my Company's health insurance plan, the fifth such sizeable increase in a row.

In a nutshell, the future of Uncle Sam's health benefits program is grim. Very grim.

NOW, IT'S ON YOU.

If you want to look forward to acceptable health care, you're going to have to take responsibility of your own future. That means making adjustments in your lifestyle and habits now or face the piper later on. What we're talking about is prevention and strategic planning.

STRATEGIZE . . .

If you plan on the Government defaulting on its Social Benefits promises, there is still time to take action and protect yourself and your loved ones. Here's how:

* Get out of debt - pay off the credit cards, pay down the mortgage, and take the interest you are paying and start saving.

* Invest some of what you are blowing on credit card purchases and interest in a long-term care policy with a financially strong carrier for you and your spouse. This could save your estate in excess of a Couple Million Dollars over a 10-15 year time period. The premiums are an affordable expense now and protect your cash flow if you ever need hospice or nursing home care. Get one of these NOW while you can.

* Purchase a Medical Benefits card for your family to help cover what the Medical Insurance deductibles on your healthcare policy and Medicare won't cover.

THEN OPTIMIZE . . .

Don't get sick in the first place. Most of the diseases that affect us as we age are life-style induced. We don't get adequate exercise, fresh air, and sleep and the foods we tend to eat are devoid of strategic nutrients such as live enzymes. Without enzymes and other critical nutrients, we open ourselves up to degenerative processes because the body simply does not have the resources it was designed to rely on to maintain it. However, even if the regular foods you buy are found wanting in nutrients, you can use supplements. But, here's a caveat - synthetic vitamins and mineral supplements, while of some modest benefit, are no substitute for a whole food.

AND BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION.

We have stated that foods in the regular markets are devoid of many nutrients. So, what constitutes a 'Whole Food' is one that contains every nutrient we need not only to survive, but also to thrive. Think about it - if our foods are lacking, does it make any sense to rely on synthetic substitutes to make up the difference? I think not. I'd rather seek out a proven supply of an organically-grown, whole food that has everything my body needs to keep it well and let nature work for me, instead of against me. A whole food together with sensible exercise will help build the firm foundation you need to cope with the future. You'd be surprised to know that there are proven whole food products available at reasonable prices that are a miniscule fraction of what you'd pay the Medical Establishment (with or, more probably without Medicare) to treat your symptoms (and not address the root cause of your problems).

For more information on the 'Whole Food' product family of choice for me and my family contact:

JuiceMaster

1-800-290-HEALTH

1-512-868-6772

or, read about the miracle of BarleyGreen at:

To get the edge on Financial Matters visit:

or view this stunning seminar at:

To get an upper hand on soaring medical costs, consider getting a Medical Benefits Card and increasing the deductible on your Medical Insurance. In this strategy, the insurance just provides catastrophic coverage and the benefits card helps defray incidental medical expenses that would otherwise be insurance deductible, out-of-pocket expenses to you. Be advised, a medical benefits card is NOT an insurance policy - but it can be a very cost-effective paid service that helps your cash flow by reducing medical and medicine-related expenses to you and your family. For an excellent Medical Benefits card at an affordable price ($10/month) consider a membership ($25/month) in the Financial Freedom Society at:

Click on the 'About . . .' link and then scroll down to the 'Power Buyer's Club' for more information about the medical benefits card. Be sure to check out the other benefits of the Financial Freedom Society, too. There's great value here.

The cost of the membership and the card together is less than many other medical benefits cards being marketed of lesser quality than what is suggested here.

Today's Action Plan: Start Exercising - Walking 10-15 minutes every day is a great way to start.

Copyright SeiNetBiz, 2003

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