Your Teenager
In today’s society everyone has choices. What car to drive. What to wear. Who your friends are. Or even whether you will go to the gym or watch TV instead. Raising children isn’t as easy. The choice on how you raise your children is entirely up to you. Were your parents good examples or not? Usually this plays a important role in how you may fair as a parent. Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, “How I’m I doing as a parent”.
My hat is off for all single parents raising children in today’s society. The dual role reversal is practised almost everday. One minute you have to be the hammer and the next you’re nurturing your child because they finally realized what they had done.
About a month ago my daugther left a crazy message on my voicemail at work and the same on the home phone. It sounded something like this.
“Hi this is Cait, Goin’ to the plaza after school. Don’t ^$*((&&(&_who I’m $#$$@&)*_*++)(*&^(*^*%&$&*$*$&$$&#&#, See you soon???” The meat of the message was said so fast we couldn’t decipher it. There we sat not knowing whom she was with. What time should we expect her. Or even I’ll call you when I get to the plaza.
School was out for the day at 3:00pm it’s now 4:30pm and no phone call. My wife and I both starting worrying. Five o’clock and still no phone call. It’s cold and dark and we know she doesn’t have a large amount money with her. Five thirty and no Cait and no contact. Our two other children sat on the side lines watching Mom and Dad get all bent out of shape. ” You should ground her for month. Take away her computer. Make her pay Dad”. They cheered.
At 5:45pm Caitlin walked through the door. “Hi guys” She replied in a happy voice. My wife stopped what she was doing and just verbally unloaded on the poor soul. Then it was my turn. I stood before her, chest out and ready to inflict another verbal rath so severe that it would take her a month to recover. My mighty index finger stood erect ready to drop the hammer. “Before you start Dad can I say something”. “Please do Cait”. I said in a very nasty voice. “Do you remember last month when I was working on that project to send Christmas gifts to 3rd world countries”. “Yes go on”. “Well the school has entrusted me to shop for a few families here in our area and have given me $100.00 to do so”.
What about a phone call to let us know where and or when your will be coming homing. “I didn’t have any of my own money left and didn’t want to use the school’s”.
No matter how we tried to justify our position Caitlin’s replies came from her heart. You just can’t compete with that. Later as my wife and I had a chance to calm down Cait came to us and said,”I know I’ve caused both of you some grief today so if you need to punish me that’s OK”. By this time we are both feeling a little ashamed of our actions and were looking for a chance to rebuild this lack of trust with her. “No Caitlin that’s fine, let’s all agree to ask questions first, and take action later”.
Going forward we learnt that trust and communication are the corner stones our the family unit. If we can help you not make the same mistake then the thirty minutes it took to write this blog was well worth it.
Thank you
Frank Joseph.
Until Debt do us part
Billions of dollars are lost to bankruptcies every year. Could this have been prevented? Could it have been bad planning or incorrect financial advice. The truth is it’s not just one contributing factor but many. According to this information provided many individuals and companies leverage their way to bankruptcy. Do these individuals accept accountability for there actions or do they just reside themselves to the fact they are in debt and hope a business transaction will pull them through to prosperity. When this doesn’t happen and the financial pressure becomes unbearable. Is the decision to walk away from those commitments the only recourse. How many Canadians actually take a position to pay companies that have extended there goods and services.
According to Statistics Canada in 2002, 104,798 Canadians filed for bankruptcy for a total deficiency of 10.2 billion dollars. In addition, to the loss of dollars, 6265 Canadian businesses fell victim of the same demise. If we assume that all of the 6,265 businesses employed 1 person, plus the owner, this number represents 12530 individual losses of income.
If you or a family member is comtemplating filing for bankruptcy take the time to consult a professional. They will explain your options and develop a path that is tailored to your situation. But keep in mind it costs money to FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY.
The Statistical Tabulation “Bankruptcies & Proposals Reported in 2002 by Major Urban Centers” was formulated according to the requirements of the Postal Delivery Area - Geographical Classification Code Conversion Table.
Frank Joseph
Health Insurance for Seniors on the ‘Net
Article by William H. Pritchett
When a good friend of mine inquired where he could obtain information about medical insurance for his out-of-state, elderly mother, I told him to try the Internet.
He reported back to me about a week later, in desperation: “I am giving up, I am too confused.” He had taken on an overwhelming project with his widowed mother, living in another state. As the only child, and following the sudden death of his father, it was his responsibility to care for his mother.
In this world of technology, the family unit is often living in different geographical areas and the family members are usually quite involved with their own lives, careers, and families. In addition, when both parents are alive, often one or both parents are quite independent and do not require a lot of assistance. As time goes on things, of course, change, and sometimes change very suddenly. There can be a crisis, with regard to the health care needs of one or both aging parents.
With our baby boomers facing this problem in ever increasing numbers, and with the information highway in full bloom, there is a definite need for planning.
Protecting your parent’s assets and health is a huge and daunting undertaking, which requires a tremendous amount of education and practical application. Our seniors face many diverse responsibilities upon reaching age 65. To name just a few: Estate planning, taxation, Medicare, social security, wills, insurance, and various other legal and financial matters. All of these different areas require expertise from accountants, lawyers, estate planners, insurance agents, home brokers, financial advisors, and others.
The Internet is a good starting point for most people to find resources for questions and solutions for your problems. There is, however, no replacement for good solid intelligent advice from an expert.
Twenty years ago, insurance for elders was sold by “senior insurance specialists”, with just a handful of companies in each state. The programs were most often Medi-gap or Medicare supplemental policies, which covered the expenses not covered by Medicare, including hospital and doctor deductibles, durable medical devices, and non-approved Medicare costs. Ironically these specialists did not sell a lot of nursing care policies, even though Medicare paid a national average of less than 2% of these expenses. With the advent of “financial and estate planning” and more insurance companies entering this market, a more broad and diversified product line became available to agents, brokers, planners, and seniors.
Part of this new diversification was the “home health care plan”, sold by itself, and in conjunction with senior health insurance products. The appeal of the “home health care policy” was that a senior could stay at home and still receive medical and custodial benefits, allowing a person to recuperate in the comfort of their own home.
This was the answer to a huge problem. The last place an older person wanted to go was a “retirement home”, or “rest home”, or, God forbid, the “nursing home.” It appeared that seniors could now rely on this new innovation without worry of having to move out of their home environment in the event of a health problem.
As with most things,” if it is too good to be true”…. The home health care policy is no exception. The problem is, there is not enough coverage for a lengthy illness or recuperation time. The fact is, the new trend is toward an “all in one” type facility, allowing for a variety of levels of care all in one location. In other words a senior could start off with little or no health care concerns in an independent, less expensive area, and then go to an assisted living, or nursing care facility, all within the same compound.
A “nursing home” requires a nurse on the premises 24 hours per day, assisted living is just eight hours. The advantages to this are financial. The patient or senior is only charged according to the care level required during the time he or she is admitted to that facility. Another benefit is it alleviates a lot of planning because the care is delivered, as it is needed. The medical attention is available to all residents regardless of their current health.
Some people are offered a lifetime package, which covers their care for the rest of their life, regardless of their current age. It also allows for social outlets to an otherwise somewhat isolated group. On-line shopping services have become a huge business. It is definitely here to stay and many insurance policies are purchased from Internet quotes and on-line applications.
There are literally hundreds of thousands of insurance agents and brokers advertising on the Internet. Most of them will provide instant on-line quotes and even applications for the potential insured. I highly discourage a layperson to purchase insurance in this fashion. A little knowledge can be dangerous.
The federal government has mandated to all states through legislation, the standardized senior health insurance policy guidelines, which are governed and regulated by each state insurance department.
There are plans for almost every level of health. Some are designed and priced for a less than healthy individual. Others are for a person with minimal health concerns. . The whole concept of insurance is to provide protection for “unanticipated” sickness or injury, especially catastrophic expenses, which would devastate a person’s net worth. The more small expenses a person is willing or able to pay (self-insure), the lower the rate. I recommend this strategy when evaluating your insurance options.
Another consideration when reviewing various insurance plans is to look at the company itself. How long has the company been selling this type of insurance? Do they have a lot of complaints filed with the local department of insurance? Are the rates stable? Does it pay claims on time? Service? Most agents talk about the rating. These ratings are as follows: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, or “not rated”.
Do not be fooled by rating alone. It is good to have a high rating, but it is far better to have a company that has longevity, stability, innovation, service, and expertise. The problem is that some companies enter into a market and quickly leave without explanation. This does not give security to the policyholder.
The most important consideration should be a review of the profit/loss ratio for that product. This will establish stability, and longevity in the market. An insurance company with a moderate profit in a particular line of business will remain in that market. On the other hand, a company with losses will make changes and possibly even withdraw. This is information not normally available to Internet users.
Before entering into an insurance contract, the senior person, the family, and other advisors must be realistic, and a careful evaluation of the entire picture must be examined. The age, the health of the senior, the financial resources, the personality and attitude of the senior, and most importantly the desires of the senior, should all be considered.
Early planning is important, as qualification becomes increasingly more difficult as the applicant’s health declines. The senior health care market is complex. I will offer some words of advice to attempt to alleviate potential pitfalls. *C hoose a well-informed, seasoned, and service oriented agent or broker to assist your decision making process. The professional can offer invaluable information, but do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions and even get a second opinion. *Do not wait until your parent or loved one is sick, or injured. Plan ahead and take the time needed to cover all the options. *C hoose an experienced insurance company. A Company that has been in the marketplace for a significant time and has maintained a balance of rates and benefits and sound risk selection with moderate rate increases over time is your best bet. *T he plan should be flexible, with a broad range of options and benefit selections to the insured. There should be no tricks, or complicated language for the coverage. An incredibly low rate is a red flag for trouble in the future. *Do not rush or be rushed by an over aggressive sales person.
This policy will not be inexpensive and will need to be read and reviewed for a clear understanding of the contents. This is one advantage to the Internet. You are allowed to read indefinitely before you act.
A long-term care program, with or without insurance coverage, will only work if the senior has input into the care selection process. If there are any questions about the accreditation of a facility please call the “Continuing Care Accreditation Commission at 202-783-7286.
About The Author
William H. Pritchett Sr.
Bio: William H. Pritchett sr. has been involved in the senior care health field for over 20 years. he is the former president of great republic health company, and is the founder/c.e.o of empire homecare resources, inc., a national website for seniors and the disabled. he is a graduate of the university of washington, and has written “caring for a family member at home” and has produced several home health care videos.
willprt@cs.com
High Time - Love not War
Romans 13: 8-11 best explains High Time
* 8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
* 9. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
* 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therfore love is the fulfilling of the law.
* 11. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
High Time is now and the answer is love. The solution is not as easy as it sounds because these are the characteristics of love:
1. is long-suffering (doesn’t give up and is there until the end)
2. is kind (self explanatory)
3. is not envious (this is where most fall short of love)
4. is humble and does not promote itself
5. does not behave itself in an unbecoming fashion (not, I shouldn’t have to… call, check-in etc.)
6. does not seek its own things (unselfish)
7. is not easily provoked (another stumbling block)
8. believes the best of people; it “thinketh no evil” (stop calling people evil)
(attributes taken from 1 Cor 13: 4-8, 8:1; 1 Thess. 5:22; Phil. 2:20-21; John 18:23)
It’s High Time; time to wake up because the time is nearer than we even though. The time is now and the answer is love not war.
MÉNAGE A TROIS
MÉNAGE A TROIS - FOR THE ‘DEAD HORMONE’ SET
(Yes, I use foreign words for no reason… One of those…)
Greetings!
By way of introduction, I have been asked to, occasionally, wax poetically on the world of classic cars as I know it. (Actually, I invited myself.)
Anyway, aside from other things, I have been buying and selling, owning and collecting, driving and racing these things for some 20 years. Read a lot, too.
Have been told I am the thing that comes after the CarNut category - One Step Beyond. Have never even owned a new car and rent when it snows. (Yep, he’s gone.) But being on this side of sanity has its rewards, like only paying cheap, collector car insurance.
Over time, I will write of cars I’ve had, should’ve had, have, will have, and might have - $$ and time permitting.
Classic guys are a little odd, each with their own definitions (one guy in England collects Ford Pintos!), perspectives, likes and dislikes. From the start I should tell you that after years of excruciating self-analysis I have come up with my own profile: Avis rather that Hertz, Bentley over Rolls, Corvair over Mustang, Avanti over Corvette, Maserati over Ferrari. You may know the type: Mr. Contrarian.
Over the course of my columns - as rare as they may be (I still have to work, you know…) you may come to recognize a distinct philosophy regarding our 4-wheeled brethren and the folks who drive them. For a hint, I think it goes something like this: There are those who look at a car to get from A to B with as little inconvenience as possible. Then there are those who never really cared about B in the first place… For you folks I dedicate this column.
We commence.
Well, wait a minute.
Perhaps I should say something a bit more about the ‘buying & selling’ for those interested in doing this on the side.
My gig is what is on my Biz-Card: “Investments for the Fun of It!”
Meaning: OK, the stock market is played out; your kids are paid through school; the spouse and your anniversary trips are paid forever; and the $$ in the bank is practically useless…
So, Let’s Party!! (or, “Potty” as Arnold would have it.)
No matter what your situation is like at any given time, there are many people out there in the above, positive financial position.
To tackle this crowd find, define and ‘brand’ a niche. Be creative.
The more unique an angle you come up with the better off you will be. (AND, of course, DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB. You will never be that good.) Do it for fun and (some) profit. It will not replace real estate as your number one investment in life but it does have advantages: — Like no bank points, tax assessors, lawyers, closing fees and, unlike the house, if you do not like the market, drive it to another one! (Although watching the recent Barrett-Jackson auction makes me think: Maybe I should quit my job…)
My niche: I try to buy cars just before they become classics and sell them when they do.
How do I know?
That, my friend, is the art — and the fun — of my gig.
Storage space? Better have some (especially in the winter).
Technical know-how? Obviously, the more the better. But I have practically none and it still works for me because I have sought out and found cheaper mechanics who further discount me for the volume I provide in the long run — and just to see what strange things I will be showing up with.. Also, not being in a hurry is a big hit with mechanics; and that also should be reflected in their prices.
I lean heavily, due to this lack of technical/artisan skills on the ‘art’ of the thing. I buy the car relatively cheap — where the seller is viewing it somewhere between Used and Collectible — in perhaps condition 8 or 8.5 (out of a ‘10′) — and just hope it becomes more desirable in my lifetime or even over the winter, reselling it in the same condition as I purchased it. No sweat involved.
Now for those with real skills and the time to ply them, you can obviously go for the sure bets, buying known collectibles in condition 4, 5 or 6, doing the work yourself and making profit a sure bet.
While I do not promise anything outright, I do let prospective collectors know that myself and everyone else who has ever bought one of my cars has watched them increase in value, made money on the resale or, at a minimum, has not lost anything. (For exceptions, see below) In effect, free Sunday transportation for life.
OK. Who lost $$ and why.
I did. Twice.
Why? Tried to sell too quickly. Like a house, test the market and pull it out if the fish ain’t biting. Always be able to do that. This is called the strong negotiating position. If you are running out of space, as I was at the time, it becomes a buyers’, low-ball market. (And the sharks can sense it.)
One of my buyers, in a similar space crunch, ended up trying to sell in the middle of winter, in the middle of a recession, in the middle of a war. The sharks didn’t even bother to chew.
Time and space are great allies and terrible enemies. If you have both, you’re in.
Look at this! My time and space are used up and I haven’t discussed even one classic car!
OK. Next time I promise to talk about this Ménage a Whatever…
As well as these extras:
When to Bring Your Spouse; When to Leave Them Home
Fitting into Your Lotus: A Collectors Guide to Nutrition
(Since I am also a gerontologist with a specialty in the effects of food on aging, I am dedicated to preserving both classics: the vehicle and the guy in it.)
Also, if you are interested in the next hot car and have the $$ to get it, I probably have it!
AND REMEMBER: IF YOU DRIVE A NEW CAR, NO ONE CARES. IF YOU DRIVE A CLASSIC, EVERYONE DOES!!
Contact me: tmoore3us@yahoo.com
OK. I’m outta’ here.
Hard Corps
In addition to their usual post-college, pre-life crew, the Peace Corps is now recruiting Baby Boomers, according to The Seattle Times.
An older volunteer base provides the Peace Corps with people who are experienced in their fields and can manage bigger projects with less training.
Some of the problems facing the Boomers that aren’t necessarily faced by the younger volunteers include leaving behind families, jobs and mortgages.
Preserving Home Videos: Which DVD Format is Best?
I wrote this article a few months ago, after my dad retired and declared that his first post-retirement project would be re-recording and preserving our old VHS home videos…
Preserving Home Videos: Which DVD Format is Best?
The first thing my father wanted to do upon retirement was transfer our countless VHS home videos onto digital media–to better preserve the memories, clear up some shelf space, and maybe even reminisce a little. But he didn’t know which of the various DVD formats would be best suited to this task.
He knew he wanted a long-lasting, affordable format that offered high compatibility with standalone DVD players. Conversely, he knew he didn’t want a format with complex rewriting or editing functionality. With these priorities in mind, he narrowed down his options:
–DVD-ROM and its permutations he ruled out right away; they were read-only formats containing pre-recorded content like videos and games.
–DVD-RAM was a high-performance rewritable format used primarily for storing computer data. It could be used for video, but was not compatible with most DVD players–and was far too advanced for Dad’s purposes.
–DVD-RW and DVD+RW were also rewritable formats (similar to CD-RW) used for both data and audio/visual applications. They were closer to what Dad sought – they were more affordable, slightly more compatible, and had a 30-year storage life – but still incorporated technology he didn’t need.
–DVD-R and DVD+R were write-once recordable formats (similar to CD-R) onto which either computer data or audio/visual information could be permanently burned using a laser. Both were inexpensive, had broad compatibility, and had a 100-year storage life. One of these would be perfect for archiving our home videos – but which?
DVD-R, introduced in 1997, had a slightly higher compatibility with standalone DVD players than DVD+R, which wasn’t introduced until 2001. Because DVD+R was newer, it had some added versatility–but it was also a bit more expensive than DVD-R (though the price would probably come down as more discs were produced).
The most important difference between DVD-R and DVD+R was that manufacturing companies tended to adhere to either one standard or the other: DVD-R was supported by a “Forum” that included Panasonic, Pioneer, Toshiba, and Apple Computer; DVD+R was supported by an “Alliance” that included Philips, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, and Thomson Multimedia (RCA).
Realizing that the DVD format he’d ultimately need would depend upon the brand of hardware he used, Dad concentrated on shopping for a DVD recorder. Finally, he purchased one made by Broksonic–one which required DVD-Rs.
Since beginning the Great Home Video Conversion, Dad has been pleased both with the DVD recorder and with the DVD-R format. He’s been working very diligently; as of right now, he’s nearly done with the first shelf of videos. (Just seven more shelves to go…)
Fat Clothes and Shoe Shopping
It’s pretty sad when you step on the scale and realize you need to lose 7 pounds – just to fit into your fat clothes. When this happens, most women refuse to buy fatter clothes. In part because our closets won’t handle one more section of sizes unless we get rid of the super skinny section.
We haven’t fit into the super skinny section of clothing since the early 80’s, but vow to once again wear these items. Sometimes we even kid ourselves that by the time we are a size 6 again, those clothes will actually be back in style.
For now, however, we squeeze into our fat clothes, pretending it’s attractive to ooze out here and there. Tight jeans are in, right? Men like women with a little meat on their bones, we justify, something to hold on to.
When my fat clothes are tight and I have an urge to go shopping, I shop for shoes. The beauty of shoe shopping is that you can always find a pair that fits and looks good.
I think I’ll go shopping for shoes.
The Symbolism of Leftovers
I recently had dinner with a friend in a quaint, waterfront community. Being portion-conscious, I had part of my dinner boxed up to go. After eating, my friend and I took a long walk up and down the lake’s shore.
It was a beautiful, balmy night. The sun was mostly gone and the lights of the evening reflected brilliantly off the water. Couples snuggled on benches, mothers walked their babies in strollers and joggers pounded by with their skin glistening in the summer heat. The walk should have been perfect, but was marred by one thing: my box of leftovers.
As I walked along in conversation with my friend, that box became more and more annoying. I shifted it from hand to hand, lifted it up and down. Nothing I did with it was comfortable.
Our lakefront loop lasted about two miles. We decided to sit for a while and visit some more. Next to our stone perch was a garbage can. Without thinking about what I was doing, I threw my box of leftovers into that can. Suddenly, I was uplifted, liberated. My hands were free from the burden of that box and so was my mind. I no longer had to think about new ways to hold or position the box to be comfortable.
In reflection, that box of leftovers symbolized the leftover burden I carry every day. The burden of work and family and of feeling less than perfect. The burden of carrying extra weight and constantly trying to find a way to be comfortable in my skin.
The simple act of throwing that box away freed me from that particular burden and made me realize that I have the power to release anything that weighs me down. From now on, when I worry excessively about work or my family or my weight, I will take those unproductive thoughts off my shoulders and dump them where they belong – with those leftovers.
Sanctuary Sundays @ Sonar, Vancouver, B.C.
Sanctuary Sundays
Every sunday, from 9 pm until 2 am, Club Sonar opens its doors to the darkest corner of Vancouver’s clubbing underground. DJ’s Pandemonium, Maleficent, and Pyxis mesmerize, enchant, and enthrall the club with a mix of retro and new wave, alternative, goth, industrial, powernoise, and electronic dance - affordable drinks, good music, people dressed up in their best velvet, pvc, leather, and dance outfits, you’ll be thankful you dropped in while visiting Vancouver on a sunday. On long weekends, such as last night, the club is enchanted with usually longer hours (until 3 am) and a club upstairs, which has often been Organix - techno, goa, rave mix under black lights and electronic beats to consume your soul. I give this club a top 5 stars (out of 5) and highly recommend it for travellers who seek some dark culture ….
Seasonal Sniffles? Have you thought about the Purple Coneflower?
Cold or Flu got you down? or up late at night unable to sleep?
The best-kept secret in herbal lore for combatting the common cold or that nasty flu is Echinacea, otherwise known as “The Purple Coneflower”. Never would one think, that those beautiful tranquil flowers that were so lavish in the film “The Color Purple” could help boost your immune system.
Commonly found in use in Europe, this “new” herbal remedy is now found on most supermarket shelves in convenient tablet or tea forms. Echinacea was believed to be the ‘cure-all’ by the Plains Indians of the Americas. Utilized for stings, bites, wounds, mouth problems, colds, flu, measles, mumps, arthritis, smallpox, and fevers.
What the grocery store shelves won’t tell you is that there are two species: Echinacea angustifolia (the more potent as well as most expensive) and Echinacea purpurea (more affordable). The purpurea is what you’ll find on most shelves, and while it is potent and good - it simply doesn’t measure up to its bigger sister angustifolia, which is worth its weight in gold so to speak.
When I’m suffering from colds and flu, I usually capsulate finely powdered Echinacea angustifolia and take two in the morning, and two before bed to ward off illness. I continue for at least a week after the illness has left and my system is back to normal.
Give this bitter sweet tongue tingling herb a try next time you’re down with the cold. It’s the herbal worlds best antiobiotic and immune system stimulant.
Of course, as with anything you use, consume, or put into your system: read up on it and if having any questions, consult your physician. The FDA lists echinacea as an herb of “undefined safety” and considered safe for otherwise healthy nonpregnant, nonnursing adults in the typically recommended amounts. It is always suggested with any use of herbs for healing to only use them in consultation with your doctor. If in use of any food, herb, plant, tincture, or tea should you experience an allergy, discomfort, or uncomfortable change in your body - immediately consult your physician.
Cherry Pie @ Twedes’ Cafe, North Bend, Washington
Twede’s Twin Peak Cafe
Snoqualmie - North Bend, Washington
137 W North Bend Way
North Bend, WA 98045
425-831-5511
http://www.twedescafe.com/
Vacationing in Washington? Well this road stop off of I-90 will give you a “mighty fine slice of cherry pie” and will fulfill your stomach’s grumblings. Its my common stopoff whenever I’m in the area. Famed for the Tv-series “Twin Peaks” this nice little cafe, nestled between the Snoqualmie River and mountainous peaks has breathtaking views that will add a unique charm to your meal.
| The building that houses the cafe was built in 1941 by Roy Thompson and has ever since stayed within the family descendants hands. In the 50’s it became known as the “Mar-T” cafe - a famous stopoff for tourists and sightseers. By the 90’s - Film Director David Lynch discovered the area for the filming of his tv-series Twin Peaks bringing scenes into the cafe which boomed its fame as an eating establishment. The film doesn’t tell tall tales when it comes to a good slice of pie and cup of Joe. I give this hot spot a 4 star rating! |
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Baby Boomers Create New Marketing Frontier
Although this may be more of interest to marketers than Boomers, MSNBC reports on Madison Avenue ca$hing in on the aging baby boomer population:
They were America’s first mass market and an advertisers’ dream: 77 million baby boomers who came of age with television. As kids, they were consumers of baby foods and breakfast cereals. As adults, they were trend setters. But as they outgrow the desired 18- to 49-year-old demographic, they are creating a new frontier for marketers.
And how much do boomers spend per year…?
One estimate is a whopping $2.3 trillion by consumers 45 years and older. But, as they were in their younger days, these older consumers are non-conformist.
Jeez, that’s nothin’! I pull that kind of dough out of my couch in pocket change, every few weeks. 