Thursday, July 28, 2005 - Finally, some good news ... the Federal Republic of Nassau West is once again "running in the black." For those of you that don't understand, that means not running a deficit for the first time in many months.

For the first time since April, all monthly financial obligations of Nassau West have been met, some were even sent surplus funds to put the nation ahead. This in no way means that Nassau West is without debt, far from it. However, by the end of August, the nation should be running with a surplus.

Financial trouble began shortly after the tax refund for tax year 2004. At the time the refund was received, Nassau West was financially stable, running an impressive surplus. After the tax refund budget was approved, on February 23, a substantial amount was spent on Capitol improvements, mostly for the kbartram.com Arena.

By March, leading financial analysts in Nassau West and elsewhere were questioning the seemingly irrational spending that went on in late February. In March, Nassau West President started a regimen of going to the dentist for work that was several years overdue.

On Friday, March 25, the aging Nassau West One had to be towed to a repair facility and fixed due to a cooling system problem, at a cost of nearly $400. Early in April, one of the President's cats, Zoey, went to the veterinarian for a physical examination, which cost about $120.

On Saturday, April 16, Bartram was rushed to Benson Hospital in very bad condition. An hour later, he left the hospital with a bill for $560.50! That bill is still being paid in installments. Dental, credit card, and automotive expenses are all still being paid in monthly installments.

A recent visit to the Capitol by Nassau West Vice President Michael O'Brien and his fiance, Cathy McWhorter, was financed almost entirely by the guests, due to a lack of funds available to the Capitol. The excursion to Tombstone, in which President Bartram attended, cost the guests in excess of $250. The Capitol intends to reimburse the couple upon their next visit.

The past few weeks have been very lean for the staff at the Capitol. President Bartram, while being urged to quit smoking, was only provided enough funds to purchase Austin cigarettes, rather than the Camel Wide Lights he usually smokes. No "top shelf" alcohol was allowed either.

Last Saturday night, Bartram went to Tombstone with $20, a record low. He purchased an 18-pack of Natural Ice, two packs of Austin full-flavors cigarettes, and two Dave's Electric Beers at the Dragoon Saloon. Even with the small amount of money, he managed to have a good time.

He made prior arrangements with Nassau West Tombstone Ambassador Carey Granger to sleep at his residence and brought movies (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2) to watch. Bartram got through the first movie and started the second. After becoming ill due to alcohol, he "fell asleep" and missed the second movie's completion.

With this week's income, the Capitol made good on all of its debts for this month. The President was given an "allowance" of $100 to do with as he pleases. The rest will be saved until next week when it will be applied to a new batch of bills. The vicious cycle starts all over again on Monday when the mortgage payment for the Capitol will be due.

That payment will again be late, but not as late as July's payment which wasn't paid until July 22! The mortgage payment is scheduled for August 12, which is within the grace period. All other payments should be paid on time or early in August. Some personal loans will be addressed in August.

The National Security Council is thrilled with the new status of the Department of the Treasury. Both agencies have prohibited the purchase of any new materials for the Spread Eagle Saloon until at least September. However, they have agreed to pay for labor involving materials already purchased.