It's no secret that I get a kick when a fat paycheck comes my way. I see it as soup for the homeless, steak for myself and security for my nieces and nephews when I leave it to 'em in my will. But I make sure to earn my dough ... and from what the numbers boys are telling me, the dame from Down Under doesn't need to make as much as she does.

The latest Nicole Kidman news is that NK is tops on the list of least bankable movie stars. Looks like her flicks only pull down a buck for every dollar she makes to make the movie. Match that up against someone like Matt Damon, who generated $27 in ticket sales for every clam he captured. Game, set, match ... mate.

Don't get me wrong ... Nicole's accomplished as all-get-out, and she ain't too hard on the baby blues. But for my money, I don't ever want some joe to say I ain't bankable. You want everyone to know they can rely on you, baby. Work hard, stay on the up-and-up, and produce.

Bogart wasn't on. The Office doesn't premiere for 3 weeks. I already finished my latest budget and book, so I was flipping channels last night. Good thing, too. I came upon the Republican National Convention, baby. Not that I'm much for the stiffsuits in DC. But I'm all about attitude, and Sarah Palin served up a double dip of it last night.

All the buzz this morning is how SP dazzled the GOPs at the convention last night. Granted, when you get down to it, it's all smoke and mirrors from both sides. Washington is gonna solve about as many of your problems as a lactose-intolerant milkman. What I loved was the attitude. It's the kind you need to have to deep-six your debt. When Visa pushes you, you push back. You gotta thump yourself to keep yourself in line with the budget. Don't be afraid.

This ain't a plug for the elephants or the donkeys. It's about having the guts to be brave enough to stare down that mug you see in the mirror, then go after what you want. Once you get yourself in line, look out.