I am not a tax protester. But, as a citizen, I am a tax payer.  As such, I find all the talk about the government at all levels taking "a bigger bite" in taxes – as one commentator called it –very unsettling. We are told increases are needed to pay for the various stimulus programs and to cover the incredible deficits resulting from declining tax revenues.The effects of the recession (depression?) as well as increased spending for massive bailouts and entitlement programs are having a huge negative impact.

A national survey of young people concerning their hopes, dreams and aspirations revealed a rather shocking fact. Most youngsters today want to become celebrities.

Many scientists consider stem cell research as the hope for sparking healing and regeneration in degenerative organs. They are researching potential applications for limb regeneration, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and other chronic ailments. Can stem cell research solve mankind's ailments? Could the elusive "fountain of youth" be waiting just around the corner?

A recent Best of the Web Today feature on the Wall Street Journal's website (8/3/2009) had a great section titled "Cynicism: The New Trust" that I found fascinating.  It discussed the fact that some actually seem to want hypocrisy in their leadership, in particular at this time, in the American Presidency.

In the human experience, there is a great equalizer. No matter who we are, rich or poor, or somewhere in between, everyone has the same amount of it. It is what your life is made of.