Please be advised the detour for the Hillsboro Boulevard nighttime bridge closure on Wednesday, Dec. 7 will be changed due to the Boca Raton 41st Annual Holiday Street Parade. All traffic traveling along Hillsboro Boulevard over the Intracostal Waterway will be detoured to the Spanish Boulevard ICWW Bridge via A1A or Dixie Highway.

Please note that this detour change will only be in effect on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Please be advised the detour for the Hillsboro Boulevard nighttime bridge closure on Wednesday, Dec. 7 will be changed due to the Boca Raton 41^st Annual Holiday Street Parade. All traffic traveling along Hillsboro Boulevard over the Intracostal Waterway will be detoured to the Spanish Boulevard ICWW Bridge via A1A or Dixie Highway.

Please note that this detour change will only be in effect on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Diane Emeott

Editor

Observer newspaper

Shortly after midnight, Dec 2 after two LHP officers conducted a traffic stop near Copans Rd & Federal Hwy

They lined up to make a u-turn and go north on Federal.  A Jeep came from Copans and went airborne over the

medium rolled over and hit the drivers side of the PD car.

The Jeep’s passenger died at the scene and the LHP officer was also transported to North Broward with Non-life threating

injuries. The crash is under investigation.

He needs to decrease taxes … for everyone!

The politicians used to say, “It’s the Economy stupid.” Now Business owners are saying, “It’s the high Taxes (stupid)!”

The formula is really quite simple:

Increased taxes = increased costs = increased prices = decreased business = decreased jobs

Decreased taxes = decreased costs = decreased prices = increased business = increased jobs

Therefore, it should be obvious to the President and his advisers that if they want more jobs, they need to decrease taxes on the people who produce the jobs.

He apparently is willing to consider that, but stubbornly wants to limit it to those making less than $1,000,000. That probably sounds reasonable to most people. However, what he and “they” don’t understand is that if a businessman is fortunate enough to “make” $1,000,000, very little may be left for him to live on after he pays his taxes and, typically, a bank loan from those funds.

For example, assume a businessman or woman borrows $5,000,000 for a business to employ 100 people. First, he would probably need to have saved at least $1,000,000 to invest in the business in order to get a $5,000,000 loan. So he has $6,000,000 invested in the business. But now, he must make enough money from the business to pay back the bank loan and interest. Assuming the loan is at 6 percent, and he has 10 years to pay back the bank, he has to make $300,000 just to pay the bank interest, plus another $500,000 to pay the bank loan principal. If he is successful and “makes” $1,300,000 from the business, he pays the bank $300,000 in interest leaving him $1,000,000 in taxable income. He pays income taxes to the U.S. government of approximately $330,000, leaving him $670,000. From that, he has to pay the bank $500,000 principal on the loan, leaving him $170,000 to live on. To some, he may look rich. However, in order to get that big loan, he probably had to sign away everything he owns, including his home. If business slows down and profits are squeezed, he may lose everything he owns to the bank, including his home. That actually happened to a good friend of mine recently.

However, under Obama’s current plan, it gets worse. If someone grows their business and hires more people, their tax rate will increase from 35 percent to 39.6 percent, for a 13.1 percent increase in tax rate, which equates to a $46,000 tax increase, reducing his net income to $124,000. The employer has taken a lot of risk to try to make that money, and the risk goes up as the tax rate increases, which also decreases the amount of money the employer can pay their employees.

Thus … increased taxes increase costs, which increases prices, which decreases business and decreases jobs.

Whereas … decreased taxes decrease costs, which decreases prices, which increases business and increases jobs.

Bottom line is you can’t increase, or threaten to increase, taxes on the people who create 90 percent of the jobs in America and then wonder why they don’t go out and hire more people. No wonder folks are worried. They ought to be.

Our political gurus need to study the effects of the Kennedy and Reagan Tax decreases. In both cases, the U.S. economy took off, the government income increased substantially, and we obtained essentially full employment for everyone who wanted to work.

David Eller, Publisher

By Dave Montalbano

AdventuresOfCinemaDave.com

There is no denying the financial juggernaut know as Twilight: Breaking Dawn: Part I, which now owns the 5th largest box office gross of 2011. While this Twilight film is as limply-directed as the previous motion picture, the story does fulfill fans’ expectations about Bella Swan, Vampire Edward and Wolf Boy Jacob with a good cliffhanger ending for Breaking Dawn: Part II.

One of the sad casualties of this vampire monster box office was Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, based on Brian Selznick’s award-winning book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Hugo (Asa Butter-field) is an orphan who lives in a Paris train station who is pursued by a bumbling security guard (Sacha Baron Cohen) for annoying a man named George (Ben Kings-ley).

What starts off as a standard required reading Juvenile Fiction novel becomes a mystery about cinematic history. Given Selznick’s ancestry (his cousin David produced Gone with the Wind) and the appearance of Sir Christopher Lee as a book salesman, Hugo is a film that will be discussed in academic circles long after the stars of Twilight retire.

In Into the Abyss, initially, Werner Herzog uses an academic approach in his straightforward documentary about death row. Fortunately, the iconic German director also brings both humor and humanity to this bleak subject. While interviewing death row inmates, Herzog admits he is politically against capital punishment. However, Herzog presents such a fair and balanced approach that advocates will find support for their own political bias.

With his soothing grandfatherly voice, Herzog asks some pretty off-the-wall questions. However, these questions create an emotional intimacy between the viewer and the interviewee. For example, when a chaplain discusses the final steps of an execution, the man comes across as a dispassionate bureaucrat. Yet, when Herzog asks the chaplain about “the squirrel story,” the man becomes a blubbering mess. Into the Abyss opens tomorrow.

Also opening tomorrow is Answers to Nothing, a piece of Los Angeles fiction. With a title like that, this motion picture has a tough story to sell. Obviously inspired by Robert Altman movies and the Oscar-winning movie Crash, Answers to Nothing features a cast of 1990s television actors who seek answers in the noir-ridden city of angels. The four subplots actually answer some questions, but one has to wonder if the questions were worth asking.

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

He’s standing against the wall, arms hanging, hands clasped, as if protecting his genitals. I advance toward the checkout desk with my library books. His eye spots me, and he leaps to attention in a quick sudden move. “Have you ever used the self check, mam?”

“Mmm. Yes,” I say hesitantly. There’s no one in line. The librarians are at the ready to help me. “We’re trying to train our customers to use the self check,” he said in a low conspiratorial voice.

And with meticulous attention, he helps me adjust the bar codes under the electronic light until all have been recorded and my receipt appears.

“We’re training the people to eliminate our jobs,” he said without rancor, just in case I hadn’t caught on to the implication of his original explanation.

And so it goes in this wonderful world of automation. I can self check-out at Target, Costco and some Publixes. I can check in at airport kiosks and, for about 30 years, I have been pumping my own gas.

As fast as any government or privately-sponsored program can create jobs, automation is eliminating jobs. And, as government shrinks, we will surely find an overabundance of unemployed government workers.  It seems like a widespread game of musical chairs.  It’s no news that we are living in the most agonizingly long transition period as traditional jobs shrink.

So, in an attempt to be supportive, I thought I’d rustle up  some  information that might be helpful for future career planning. Of course, if your career has already spanned a lifetime, perhaps you might share some of these gems with your progeny. (We all know how much “progeny” likes advice, but you might just try!)

Job title:

E-Scrubber – works to undo or minimize the indiscretions that people accumulate on the web.

Deceptionist – Provides tech-enabled deception services for those wishing to disguise their activities.

Geoscraper – Makes corporate and private properties look attractive in Google-earth style aerial views.

Unplugger – Mental health professional who helps wean people from excessive use of technology.

If your expertise doesn’t qualify you for any of the above, to continue the automation trend, here are some things I found on a Google list that have yet to be totally automated. Some clever inventor or entrepreneur might figure out how to close the gap here,  thus eliminating all housekeeping jobs: making the bed;  ironing clothes; cleaning; dusting; vacuuming  with the flip of a switch or the clap of two hands (yes yes, I know about the automatic vacuum – but what about dusting?); helping the kids with homework? No! It was on the list, but let’s never eliminate THAT, although, admittedly, it’s getting to be more and more of a challenge.

Jobs, jobs, jobs. We lose them. We create them. We mix and match them. Where will my library friend go when all of us folks approach the automatic machines and check out by ourselves?

DEERFIELD BEACH

Nov. 25 A man reported that a residence at 26 Tilford B was burglarized and $7,700 in cash was stolen.

Nov. 25 A man reported that his car was missing from the parking lot of 4022 Ventnor C.

Nov. 25 A man reported that three men approached him while he was using his computer at 760 Tivoli Circle. One man showed him a gun and demanded that he surrender his laptop computer. The men fled.

Nov. 26 The owner of Berger Windows at 4100 N. Powerline Rd. reported an open bed trailer valued at about $2,000 was stolen from the business.

Nov. 26 A woman reported that a man stole her purse while she was at 1319 S. Military Trail and fled in a car.

Nov. 26 A man reported that a trailer was stolen from 1323 SW 1 Way.

Nov. 26 A man reported that a man approached him and then stole a gold necklace from his neck while he was sitting in his car at 299 W. Hillsboro Blvd.

Nov. 27 A woman reported that she was staying at the home of a relative at 4725 NW 3 St. The woman said she returned to the residence and found it burglarized. Televisions, a laptop and jewelry were stolen.

Nov. 27 The owner of Power Construction at 1323 SW 1 Way reported that he believes a former employee entered the business and stole $11,000 worth of merchandise.

Nov. 27 A woman was arrested and charged with a narcotics felony at 1000 S. Federal Hwy. She was found to be in possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana.

Nov. 27 A man reported that his car was stolen from a parking lot at 1629 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Nov. 27 A car was stolen from a residence at 280 NW 2 Ave.

Nov. 27 A woman was arrested and charged with stealing a car from the parking lot of Hampton Inn at 660 W.Hillsboro Blvd.

Night of Magic

Thursday, Dec. 1, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Bru’s Room Sports Grill, 5460 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Coconut Creek, FL  33073

Dr. Magic will entertain you at this event sponsored by Team Gateway Logistics to benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Donation of $15. Free glass of wine, beer or soda. 954-571-6999.

Chamber Breakfast N’ Deerfield

Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

The Horizon Club, 1208 S. Military Dr.

Speaker – Molly Murphy, Outreach Manager of Horses For The Handicapped. Don’t miss – on Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Luncheon Leads Group at the Chamber, 1601 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, 33441. 954-946-5452.

Yuletide Parade

Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

NE 5 Avenue to Community Park ,Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Parade begins at 5 Avenue near Sample McDougald House, proceeds east to NE 10 Street to NE 11 Avenue, south to NE 9 Street and east into Community Park. Floats, bands, clowns, dancers and more. Park will have even more activities and Santa will be there. Mayor Fisher will light the Yuletide Tree. Refreshments will be available. 954-786-4111.

Nova Singers perform

Friday, Dec. 2, 8:15 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, 2331 NE 26 Ave., Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Enjoy melodies from the 15th and 16th Centuries, songs with lyrics from Shakespeare as well as standard holiday songs by various composers and arrangers. $10 donation. 954-941-2308, ext. 112. www.pinkpres.org.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec 3, 9 to 11 a.m.

Butler House, 380 E. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Santa and his elves will arrive by fire truck and the Deerfield Beach Historical Society will provide breakfast, crafts for the children and a photo with Santa!  $5 per person.  Call for reservations: 954-429-0378.

Volunteer Day

Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.

The Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Constitution Park, 2841 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Bring own work gloves. Water and lunch provided. 954-480-4494.

18th annual Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, Dec. 3, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Boca Raton Children’s Museum, 498 Crawford Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432

Snow, Santa, pancake breakfast, train rides, multicultural crafts, entertainment by “Uncle Willy” and Flora Belle the Clown, sand art activities and more! Admission is $10 per person, infants are free. Reservations required. 561-368-6875 or visit www.cmboca.org.

Toys for Tots

Through Dec. 7

Bartell Chiropractic Life Center, 57 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 

Bartell Chiropractic Life Center is an official drop-off location for “Toys for Tots.”  Bring in a new, unwrapped toy and receive a ”Health Pass” for $37 (value $300) and a chance to win a 1 night stay at Deerfield Beach Embassy Suites Resort and Spa. 954-426-3200.

Relay for Life seeking teams

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Deerfield Beach, LHP & Hillsboro Beach is looking for teams. The relay will be held May 5-6, 2012 at Quiet Waters Park. For more info, contact Nona Breitenstein at nonabreit@gmail.com  or 954-304-4248. www.relayforlife.org/dblpfl.

Toys for Tots Drive

Through Friday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Allen West for Congress Headquarters, Fifth Avenue Shops, 2108 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33431

The Allen West for Congress Campaign and United States Marine Corps collected nearly 1,000 toys for needy children through the Toys for Tots program last year. This year, they hope for more. Bring new, unwrapped toys. 877-906-2010.

Deerfield Beach Computer Club meets

Fridays, except holidays

Westside Park, 445 SW 2 St, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Need some computer experience? This club can help. $1 per class. 954-725-9331 or www.db-cc.org.

Food Drive

NE Focal Point, 227 NW 2 St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Needed: Non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, canned vegetables, cereal (hot or cold), rice, pasta, canned soups & stews, canned fruits, dried or canned milk, canned tuna, and canned chicken or turkey. Please drop off your food donations: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 954-480-4449.

Seeking boats for 49th Annual Pompano Beach Boat Parade

To be held Dec. 11 on the Intracoastal Waterway, leaving from Lake Santa Barbara to Deerfield Beach, the Pompano Boat Parade is sure to bring many onlookers to see the lit-up decorated boats. For more information, visit www.observernewspaperonline.
com or contact Pompano Chamber at 954-941-2940 to register. Register NOW!

Ribbon cutting at MarCha’s  Breakfast Shack

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 11-30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

3110 Plaza at 3100 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Free samples, snacks, drinks; lunch specials and delicious homemade hot soups. All food is made from scratch or is ordered from top quality organic producers and is hormone, antibiotic and preservative free. www.marchasbreakfastshack.com.

9th Annual Lighthouse ‘A Glow

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park, 3500 NE 27 Ave., Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Kick off your holiday season with family entertainment!

As I mentioned in a previous “Clergy Corner,” I grew up in a small town in the northern part of New York, very close to the border with Canada.  The town was in the middle of the Adirondack Park, on a lake, and surrounded by mountains. Not mountains like Colorado, but mountains just the same.

November was always one of my favorite months.  It’s well into the school year so you’re already over the shock of going back to school after a long summer break.  All the trees have turned and the mountains are filled with beautiful colors of brown, orange and red, and, soon, if not already, the leaves start to fall.

The first snowfall of the year is something very special.  You know it’s coming and you can’t wait until that first morning when you wake up to find everything covered in white.  It is such a beautiful sight.  Everything looks so clean and pure. It’s almost like a fresh start.

November also has Thanksgiving.  I love thanksgiving.  What does thanksgiving mean to you? Family, food, football or a short vacation from work and school?  Thanksgiving means a lot of things to a lot of people.  For me, it’s the combination of several different things. The change in the leaves, signifying change in life; snow, telling me that we can change and that there is forgiveness; family, because we will be getting together; and, of course, Thanksgiving, a time to reflect on all God has done for us.

Ephesians 5:20 says, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Giving thanks, especially in the midst of some of the difficult times many are going through, is difficult. Maybe it’s because of our perspective. The Bible teaches that without a proper relationship with God, we cannot have a proper perspective.  Gratitude and Grace come from the same root word.  If I’m thankful for what I’ve been given and for what God has done for me, then that will be reflected in my living a gracious life and giving grace to others.

Think and Thank are also from the same root word.  If we sit for a moment and think about all that God has done for us, sending His Son to die on the cross to provide a way of salvation, preparing a place in Heaven for all of those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and daily providing for our needs.  I think we sometimes forget that God never promised to provide for our wants, but only for our needs.

Let’s take time to THINK about all God had done for us, then THANK Him for His provision.  This will provide us with a heart of GRATITUDE, which will produce a GRACIOUS attitude.

Editor’s Note: As we savor our recent Thanksgiving time with family and friends, let us remember to give thanks all year long.

Deron Peterson is is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Deerfield Beach.