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Per this discussion on health, here are some excerpts from an interesting article a friend forwarded to me.

This is not meant to be advice, but, personally, I feel a peaceful mind leads to a healthy body, and a great life, so I just thought I’d pass some of these thoughts along. (Agree getting that D3 running at the beach doesn’t hurt either.)

CALM YOUR MIND–HEAL YOUR BODY
Mark Hyman, MD

“WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR HEALTH, there is one factor that is more important than almost any other…

If it is missing from your life, it causes or worsens 95 percent of all illness. It has been associated with dramatic reductions in disease and increased longevity.

And it is more important than cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, or any other risk factor in determining whether you will live a long and healthy life. But it doesn’t come in a pill, and it can’t be found in a hospital or in your doctor’s office.

What is this critical factor that determines so much about how healthy or how sick you are?

It may seem simplistic, but aside from eating breakfast, the biggest predictor of longevity is psychological resiliency–-and being able to roll with the punches that life throws at us.

We’ve known about this in medicine for a long time. I was recently browsing through my library and found an old book that I read in college called Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer, written by a friend and leader in the field of mind/body medicine, Kenneth Pelletier. He is a clinical professor of medicine at the medical schools of the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Arizona.

His book was published in 1977. I wish I could say that a lot has changed since that book was published. Sure, we have filled in the gaps and learned more about the mechanisms through which the body affects the mind and the mind affects the body, but the basic truths remain the same.

There is a dramatic and powerful connection between your mind and body, and between your body and your mind. In fact, it really should not be called a connection because it is just ONE bidirectional system.

Unfortunately, few doctors accept or understand this fundamental reality about biology. So, in most doctors’ offices, you aren’t going to learn about the connection between your body and brain.

According to Hans Selye, MD, the man who coined the word “stress” and first mapped out its biological effects, “The modern physician should know as much about emotions and thoughts as about disease symptoms and drugs. This approach would appear to hold more promise of cure than anything medicine has given us to date.” Selye’s words are as true today as they were on the day he wrote them.

We are seeing an epidemic of stress-related disorders in our society, including depression, anxiety, autism, attention deficit disorder, memory disorders, and dementia, and these disorders are making the pharmaceutical industry highly profitable.

You see, Americans live on caffeine and Prozac. We use substances to manage our moods. In fact, the four top-selling items in grocery stores are all drugs that we use to manage our mood and energy: caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and nicotine.

But how do we really deal with the root of this problem? You use the MOST powerful pharmacy in the world — which is right between your ears.”

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As CAr mentioned, we also tend to over-insure, but, as long as you and the family are comfortable with the number–that’s what really matters. BG’s comments about insuring before you encounter any medical issues are also spot on.

My sympathies concerning your friend. We’ve lost two friends in the last couple of years as well.

Even though we all know nothing in this world lasts forever, it is still shocking when these things happen, and definitely reminds us how short life really is.

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For many of the reasons others have mentioned, I’m glad to see that One Paseo will probably go to a public vote.

It will be interesting to see if a few projects like this (should they be approved) really end up making San Diego a more affordable place to live for future generations or not.

I would imagine that, like me–many Piggs realize factors concerning affordablity issues in our city going forward are, for the most part, out of our hands–and, imo, all each of us can do is make plans for ourselves and our kids accordingly.

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Read recently that there are around 1,645 billionaires in the world now,
and–per some of the posts–it’s nice to know we have some on this forum.

Although many of us have posted that we are in the multiple 7 figure and other net worth categories, I think it’s still possible to enjoy the few short years we have on earth (as eternity goes) in whatever financial category we find ourselves, and it is nice to have something to pass onto the kids if we can.

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Even though we all have have issues in life that need our attention or stress us out from time to time, I agree that, overall, keeping life as worry-free as possible is a great way to go.

Life is short–enjoy!

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I definitely agree with EP.

We, as well as friends and family have both built and remodeled in RSF, as well as other other locations in San Diego, but that was quite a few years ago.

At that time, because of the deals we were able to make with people we knew, it was very-cost effective, but, at today’s costs, you’ll definitely want to do a lot of research, and try to talk to others who have built within the last 5 years or so to get a feel for the current market.

Also, you might want to look at custom and
semi-custom communities like Santaluz in the 92127 zipcode. In addition, they are currently building some very nice estate homes in Del Sur in the same zip code, near Black Mountain, which people also seem to really like.

Here’s a link (and, no, I’m not affiliated with SP)

http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/new-homes/southern-california/san-diego/kingston-at-del-sur.aspx

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FYI, the answers to many of your questions are available by doing a Google search, but, as a start, here’s some info (below) from NOLO–generally a good source for this type of information.

I hope this is helpful, but please do not consider this advice, and you may want to contact a tax professional.

Tax Deductions for Charitable Contributions
You can deduct charitable contributions from your taxable income–if you follow IRS rules.
NOLO

When you make a charitable contribution, you benefit both the charity and your own tax situation, because you can deduct the amount of these gifts from your taxable income if you itemize your deductions. However, the IRS has lots of rules about how you must report and document all your charitable deductions. If you don’t follow the rules, you won’t get the deduction.

Cash Contributions
Claiming a charitable deduction is simple when you write a check to a charity or make an online donation with your credit card.
For a cash gift of any amount, you need a receipt (showing the date and amount of your donation) OR a bank or credit card statement, payroll deduction record, cancelled check, or other bank record showing the transaction. Email communications are generally acceptable. If you donate through a text message, the IRS will accept the phone bill as verification if it shows the recipient organization, the amount, and the date given.

If you want to claim a deduction for a cash gift of $250 or more, you must have a written receipt, describing the gift, from the charity. To determine whether or not this requirement applies to you, you do not have to add up all your donations to a particular charity. For example, if you give the local food bank $50 every month, each contribution is separate, and the receipt rule does not apply.
The receipt should also state whether or not the charity gave you any goods or services in exchange for your gift; if so, the receipt must describe them and give an estimate of their value. The charity doesn’t have to report a low-cost item it gives to you as a token of thanks—for example, a plastic water bottle or coffee mug with the charity’s name on it. You must get the receipt by the time you file your tax return.

Noncash Contributions
Making “noncash contributions”—in other words, donating clothing, books, cars, or other items—requires more documentation and sometimes a special IRS form. It all depends on the value of your gifts.
To figure out the value of your gifts, add all the value of all similar items. For example, if you give away a hundred valuable old books, add their value together even though you might think you’re really making a lot of small gifts. The rule applies even if you give the items to different charities.

Gifts of Less Than $250
To deduct a noncash donation worth less than $250, you need a receipt with:
the charitable organization’s name
the date and location of the contribution, and
a description of the property (in just enough detail to identify the items).

Clothing and Household Items. Most of us, from time to time, pass on clothing, furniture, appliances, and similar household items to charities, hoping others can use them. A tax deduction isn’t the main goal, but you can claim a deduction for these items, just like more valuable ones. The items must, however, be in good condition; you don’t get a deduction for giving a charity items that really should be thrown out. You can get values for commonly donated items from various commercial software programs or at the Salvation Army’s online Valuation Guide.

Gifts of More Than $250
If you want to claim a deduction for a gift worth $250 or more, get a written receipt from the charity that describes the gift. The receipt should state whether or not any goods or services were given to you in exchange for your gift; if they were, the receipt must describe them and give an estimate of their value. The charity doesn’t have to report a low-cost item it gives to you as a token of thanks—for example, a plastic water bottle or coffee mug with the charity’s name on it.

Gifts of More Than $500
If you make a total of more than $500 worth of noncash gifts in a calendar year, you must file Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, with your income tax return.
You have to fill out only Section A of the form if:
the gifts are worth less than $5,000, or
you’re giving publicly traded securities (even if they’re worth more than $5,000).

Special Rules for Donating Vehicles
Many charities actively solicit the donation of used cars and other vehicles. To claim a deduction of $500 or more for a vehicle you donate, you of course need a written receipt from the charity, issued at the time you make the gift or shortly thereafter.
How large a donation you can claim depends on what the charity does with the vehicle. If it promptly sells the car without using it or substantially fixing it up, you can deduct the amount the charity receives for the car or its fair market value when you donated it, whichever is less. If the charity does use or improve the car (or gives it away as part of its charitable activities), you can deduct the fair market value at the time of the contribution. The charity typically provides this information on IRS Form 1098-C, Contributions of Motor Vehicles, Boats and Airplanes.

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HAPPINESS
(One definition–and I’m sure there are many more)
“Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.”
Wikipedia

I agree that you can’t assume people with either more or less wealth have either more or less happiness. That generalization applies both ways.

We, and most people we know don’t consider money the source of our happiness. Sure, we’re all grateful to have the funds we need for ourselves and our kids for the balance of our lives, which may give a sense of peace and security–but, imo, true happiness–to the various extent that each of us experience it–comes from far deeper and more meaningful things in our lives.

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In the spirit of continuing this “light” discussion (vs. our usual delving into the depths of the meaning of human existence:)–I agree–but I thought we were talking about physical sports–nevertheless–all are great.

Of course, in aviation, supersonic beats all, but, for a real e ticket ride, takeoff from the cockpit at 150 mph+ on liftoff is right up there, too.

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ahh–skiing and snowboarding–+1–way more fun than golf:)

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Over the years I’ve played, I’ve seen many big business deals made on the gc, and the contacts you make there can become extremely valuable in other facets of your life, so, there can actually be more benefits than meet the eye.

That said, I agree golf is really no longer of interest to most of the population. I’m pretty much “golfed out,” so I’m all for looking at better uses for the land and resources.

I know I’d much rather have a lot of land around my home, rather than be crammed into a house just so they could build or preserve a golf course.

Besides, when it comes to outdoor activities, like a lot of people, I actually prefer running on the beach, surfing, tennis, and other more active sports.

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Good points, CAr, at least there is some hope in that regard. Per below, I’m glad to know they’re taking some action. Here’s an article from CNN:

“California’s drought is changing the way the state’s 914 golf courses do business. The green-as-far-as-the-eye-can-see courses just won’t be possible to sustain anymore. Trees are being replaced with cactuses and other drought-resistant plants. Some courses are getting rid of grass altogether.

California golf courses were making these changes long before governor Jerry Brown implemented the state’s first mandatory water restrictions this week. California is in the fourth year of a prolonged and dangerous drought, and lush golf courses have been an easy target for conservationists.

The water restrictions require campuses, golf courses, cemeteries and other large landscapes to make significant cuts in water use.
Though “significant” isn’t clearly defined, the new restrictions mandate that the state’s water providers reduce their consumption by 25% over the next nine months. But most California golf courses had already put themselves on a “water diet,” using 20% less water than normal. That means the new restrictions likely won’t be too difficult to implement.

It adds just a little to the hardship, but there won’t be much difference, said Craig Kessler, director of government affairs for the Southern California Golf Association.

Some local areas have implemented even tougher restrictions. The Contra Costa Country in the East San Francisco Bay area has recommended a 40% water reduction.

To cope, golf courses across the state are using alternative water sources, switching from potable tap water to recycled, untreated wastewater. Many are no longer watering their rough areas.

One water board in Southern California even offers a turf reduction rebate program, in which golf courses are compensated $2 per square foot of grass that they remove from their courses. Many are replacing rough grass with natural, drought-tolerant plants — others are going to Astroturf.

About a fifth of the state’s golf courses are certified or working towards a certification with Audubon International, a nonprofit that helps golf courses meet certain water conservation criteria. The agency recommends golf courses water greens at night, put sprinkler systems in place that can water specific areas and install moisture meters, according to Tara Pepperman, Audubon International’s program director.

The average American golf course uses 312,000 gallons per day, according to agency — about half an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Though watering lawns for recreational purposes in the middle of a drought makes the golf industry an easy target, some in the golf industry believe the stigma isn’t unwarranted.

Golf courses utilize just 1% of the state’s water, so I think we’re being unfairly targeted, said Marc Connerly, executive director of the California Golf Course Owners Association. In many ways, this seems like a symbolic gesture on the part of the governor — even if every golf course turns off its water, that only saves 1% of what the state uses.

The grass reductions and landscaping adjustments haven’t scared golfers away so far. Golfing is down nationally, and California has followed that trend. But the National Golf Foundation reports that California’s golf courses are largely staying operational — the number of courses dropped by just eight last year.

We have not seen golf courses shutting down, I’m happy to say, Connerly said. That’s in part because golf courses have been able to conserve. As long as we don’t have total water usage bans during certain times of day or days of the week, we’ll manage.

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It will be interesting to see how The Crosby thing works out. I remember reading the original plans for Del Sur included an 18-hole golf course, and that plan was scrapped in favor of building more homes. Although the original owner sold out to Standard Pacific, I’ve heard they are very glad they made that choice before the water issues came up.

I agree that golf courses in CA probably need to go, or at least be allowed to turn a shade of brown, during our water crisis. Perhaps they could be revived if mother nature ever decides to bless us with rain again–and I say this as someone who has played golf his entire life–and was raised at LJCC. We can live without golf–we can’t live without water.

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I think it’s still possible for people to achieve wealth from ground zero, but, if you’re talking about the kind of wealth that will benefit several generations (provided successive generations don’t make bad decisions and waste it, or simply encounter bad luck along the way–both of which I have seen happen time after time) I agree, AN–it’s a process.

I also agree with scaredy and BG, that, in many cases, it makes no sense to go into extreme debt for an elite education that may or may not pay off, but, if it’s no financial strain (as in our case, the funds were set aside by the grandparents for that purpose alone) you might as well let the kids take advantage of it, as long as they can cut it academically.

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