Driving turns scary

                              Once upon a time, driving one's car was considered a pleasurable and relaxing experience.  Most people drove according to the speed limit, were courteous to one another, and even used their turn signals when appropriate.
                              Nowadays driving has become a hassle.  Madmen/women zoom in and out, drive well above the speed limit, play with their cellphones and tailgate along the highways and byways as if they owned the open roads.
                             Are reckless speedsters mentally unbalanced or are they hypnotized by television commercials that advertise driving from zero to 60 in a matter of seconds?
                             Journalists call them the "lunatic fringe": those drivers who are subject to negative periods of clear-mindedness or have "intermittent mental derangement associated with the changing phases of the moon."
                             But for the normal, everyday drivers, who anticipate arriving at their destinations all in one piece, the term "lunatic" refers to foolish and idiotic behavior of speedsters who may smash cars and sensible drivers to smithereens.
                             Perhaps there's another reason that causes our irrational brothers and sisters to pound their pedals to the metal.  Since a multitude of headstrong drivers achived limited success at work, school, sports and what have you, then leading the pack and being No. 1 on the highways is their claim to fame.  It's a sad, sad commentary indeed, but true to life.
                            Those luxurious vehicles ------- be it car or truck ----- with tons of chrome on the outside and exclusive paraphernalia on the inside and under the hood, have become four-wheeled masterpieces of style that speed about like chariots of the gods.
                            These shallow-minded speedsters, with frivolous intentions, are growing, and soon moderate, law-abiding drivers will become nervous wrecks seeking psychiatrists' couches for therapy.
                           Thank God I didn't drive on Aug. 1------the night of the full moon.  For what evil lurks in the minds of speed demons is comparable to misfits who have lost their way.    

SO YOU WANT TO RETIRE

Unfortunately, in today's economic climate there is serious concern about the long term viability of social security, it's immediate future is secure, but down the road....Who knows for sure? 
Therefore, retirement is a topic that many people are concerned about....or should be concerned about!
                           As people approach retirement, especially in today's troubled economic times, they realize there may not be enough money for them to continue living their current lifestyle.  Many are being forced to make some necessary cchoices.  Do they continue to work?  Do they downsize their housing?  Do they relocate to a more affordable location or just curtail their spending, hoping to live on less?  Some forward thinking folks are living the good life in retirement because they planned ahead.  Others are not so forunate.  Experts urge everyone to start a retirement program as early as possible.
                          So how does this happen?  First, there are some people who have spent every dollar they made without saving.  Instead, the sooner one begins to save, the greater the chance of being able to be financially independent in later years.  They still hope to be able to retire and live comfortably.  They want to live off their investments, pension plans and social security.
                           A 30 year old saving $100 at the beginning of each month and earning 7% in a tax deferred account until age 60 will accumulate TWICE as much money as that of a 38 year old also saving $100 a month earning 7% until age 60. This is the power of COMPOUND INTEREST.  Keep in mind that, for a comfortable retirement, you also need to spend less than you earn and you should live conservatively.  You also need to keep at least three to six months of take-home pay in savings for emergencies.
                         Talk to a professional as you consider your retirement options.  An accredited Retirement Planner can help you establish a savings program and prepare for a comfortable retirement.  They can advise you on estate planning, insurance and investments that will help you achive the golden years of your dreams.

AUGUST BIRTHDAY BABIES

Herman Melville Novelist

Jerry Garcia Grateful Dead

James Baldwin Author

Carrol O'Connor alias Archie Bunker

Leon Uris Novelist

Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother of England

Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor

Pete Sampras Tennis Player

Julia Child Cookbook Author

Mae West Actress

Coco Chanel Fashion Designer

Malcolm Forbes Publisher

Cal Ripkin, Jr. Ironman Baseball Player

August

Is Still August

Admit You're Happy Month

National Golf Month

Peach Month

POP QUIZ (More from the Olympics)

As the 2012 Olympics wrap up in London, one last look at gold medalists. 
Match the champion with his or her event.

1. Nicola Adams                            a) Track and field                 
2. Usain Bolt                                b) Boxing
3. Matthew Brittain                       c) Canoe sprint
4. Giovanni Cernogoraz                  d) Dressage
5. Tina Dietze                              e) Fencing
6. Charlotte Dujardin                      f) Judo
7. Arianna Errigo                           g) Rowing
8. Arsen Galstyan                          h) Sailing
9. Fredrik Loof                               i)  Shooting
10. Dana Vollmer                            j)  Swimming



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1.  b   ; 2.  a  ;  3.  g   ; 4.  i   ; 5.  c   ; 6.  d   ; 7.  e   ; 8.  f   ; 9.  h   ; 10.  j

POP QUIZ (Olympic gold)

Match up some of this year's Olympic gold medalists with their event.

1. Kristin Armstrong                       a) Archery
2. Tim Baillie                                 b) Artistic gymnastics
3. Ruolin Chen                               c) Canoe slalom
4. Zulfiya Chinshanlo                      d) Cycling
5. Lucie Decosse                           e) Diving
6. Gabrielle Douglas                        f) Equestrian
7. Michael Jung                             g) Judo
8. Bo Bae Ki                                 h) Rowing
9. Allison Schmitt                           i) Swimming
10. Mary Whipple                           j) Weightlifting



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers : 1. d  ; 2. c  ; 3. e  ; 4. j  ; 5. g  ; 6. b  ; 7. f  ; 8. a  ; 9. i  ; 10. h