Category: Articles

  • My Take on Things: Shuzi Health Jewelry

    Generations Magazine - 2013-06-07 - Shuzi Jewelry - Image 01It was September 8, 2011 that I had a stroke … some say it was “mild” and some say it was a “nerve stroke” while I say, “It happened, now move on!” Every day since then, I test myself on doing things with my right side. Within two weeks I got rid of the walker but was very careful getting around. Driving and bouncing a tennis ball took two months. Walking down a flight of stairs without using the handrail or wall took nine months — that’s when I bought a Shuzi bracelet and walked down 12 steps with no problem (at the bottom of the stairs, I turned around to look up in amazement). I did more “self-tests” like balancing on my right leg for 40 seconds instead of the 3 seconds before Shuzi and walking on stepping stones on the side of our house with ease. There are so many products out there that claim a lot of things, but this one I believe made a HUGE difference to my “balance” in life.

    Generations Magazine - 2013-06-07 - Shuzi Jewelry - Image 02This is what I know: Shuzi (pronounced Shoo-zee) has been an international company since 2004. The jewelry utilizes a proprietary “Nano Vibrational Technology” Chip from the United States which is programmed to resonate with your cells’ natural frequencies. The chip sends out a pulse that balances the body’s bio-field and blood cells become much rounder and stronger promoting better blood flow, which means more oxygen through the body.

    Studies with QEEG (brain mapping) showed on average 25% improvement in cognitive efficiency and 20% improvement in emotional efficiency. The full study is on shuziusa.com.

    So, don’t just take my word for it. As in anything else, try it yourself and do your own testing. I think you’ll be pleased.

    For more information, Shuzi Hawai‘i can be reached at 808-386-0929, www.shuziliving.com.

     

    It was September 8, 2011 that I had a stroke … some say it was “mild” and some say it was a “nerve stroke” while I say, “It happened, now move on!” Every day since then, I test myself on doing things with my right side. Within two weeks I got rid of the walker but was…

  • Summer Green Smoothie

    01 Smoothie Ingredients - Generations Magazine - June-July 2013Summer brings in the time of year when melons are in season. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are rich in vitimins, minerals and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, potassium, magnesium vitamin A and C. Adding them to a green smoothie makes for a tasty drink and a great way to get a lot of healthy nutrients into your body at one time.

    Blend well to milkshake consistency. Enjoy! See link for demo: www.youtu.be/16U9a1Vhoak.

    01 Diane Cadhina with Smoothie - Generations Magazine - June-July 2013Ingredients

    1 apple or pear
    1 banana
    3 pineapple spears
    Handful of blueberries
    1 cup watermelon
    1 cup Kale
    1 cup Spinach
    Handful of mint leaves

    Summer brings in the time of year when melons are in season. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are rich in vitimins, minerals and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, potassium, magnesium vitamin A and C. Adding them to a green smoothie makes for a tasty drink and a great way to get a lot of healthy nutrients…

  • Special Needs Planning

    Statistics reveal that about 16% of children in the United States have some sort of disability. The concerns of parents of these children are the same for most any parent and that is to make sure that their children are safe, happy, and live a meaningful life.

    Some of these children may not be able to earn a living on their own. Both the federal and state governments understand this and provide benefits for these children, so that they receive food and shelter and medical care. Many of these benefits are “means tested”, meaning that the child cannot have much in terms of assets and cannot make much in terms of income, and if the child inherits assets from the parents, these benefits will discontinue, and the child must use up all of the inheritance before having to reapply for benefits.

    This leaves parents to think that they must disinherit their children so that they can continue to receive benefits or entrust another family member to manage money for the benefit of the child.

    The better alternative is the Supplemental Needs Trust. Properly written and administered, this trust allows parents to leave the child their inheritance and allows the child to continue to receive the much needed governmental benefits. This Supplemental Needs Trust is written instructing the trustee to pay assets from the trust for the benefit of the child only over and above what the child receives from the government.

    This partnership between the federal and state governments and the parents allow the child to live the most meaningful, happy, and independent life possible.


     

    Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | 2054 S. Beretania St., Hon. | (808) 524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com

    Statistics reveal that about 16% of children in the United States have some sort of disability. The concerns of parents of these children are the same for most any parent and that is to make sure that their children are safe, happy, and live a meaningful life. Some of these children may not be able…

  • Strong Families Survive

    In June we celebrate National Family Month, which is a great time to reflect on your family and how to make it stronger. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reminds us, strong families share many valuable qualities: trust, commitment, communication, growth, affection, fun, and love.

    Strong families are more likely to grow through a crisis, allowing the difficult experience to bring them even closer together.

    In the unfortunate event of a family member’s death, we want you to know that Social Security is here to help. In addition to the emotional difficulty family members experience, there is often a financial burden as well, especially if the family’s main wage earner dies. In such cases, Social Security survivors benefits will help.

    Did you know that nearly every child in America could get Social Security survivors benefits if a working parent dies? And Social Security pays more benefits to children than any other federal program. Although many people think Social Security is just a retirement program, you should know that Social Security also provides survivors insurance benefits for workers and their families. If you’re like most people, the value of the survivors insurance you have under Social Security is probably more than the value of any individual life insurance you may own. And you don’t even need to sign up for a separate policy; by working and paying Social Security tax, you are most likely already insured without even knowing it.

    Family members who may be able to receive survivors benefits based on your work record include a widow or widower, unmarried children up to age 19 and still in high school, and under certain circumstances, stepchildren, grandchildren, step grandchildren, adopted children, and dependent parents.

    If you’d like to learn more about survivors benefits, and how to apply, you should read our publication, Survivors Benefits, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

    You can find additional useful information, such as our survivors planner and information about how to apply for survivors benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/survivors.htm.


     

    www.socialsecurity.gov
    1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)

    Social Security Administration - Generations Magazine - June-July 2013

    In June we celebrate National Family Month, which is a great time to reflect on your family and how to make it stronger. As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reminds us, strong families share many valuable qualities: trust, commitment, communication, growth, affection, fun, and love. Strong families are more likely to grow…

  • Smiles for a Lifetime

    Q: How can I ensure that my teeth and mouth stay healthy and strong for a lifetime?

    A: Two words to remember for a healthy smile are, “Be Proactive”! There’s no magic dental wand, but follow this philosophy to help keep your teeth for a lifetime.

    First, seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly is the key to optimal dental health. For most people this is every six months, for others more frequently. The dental exam may include assessments for oral cancer, root and tooth decay, gum disease and more. The hygienist will remove tartar build-up on teeth that may contribute to gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss.

    Next, be proactive with your home dental care. Brush and floss daily and effectively! Ask your dental professionals for instructions if needed. If a rinse is recommended, use it as prescribed.

    Third, address dental problems on a timely basis. This will prevent more costly procedures and pain in the future. A good example is tooth decay. Although decay many start small, left untreated the pulp can become infected and require root canal therapy.

    Furthermore, being proactive let’s you and your dentist plan for your dental future. For example, if you need dental implants but constantly put it off, it may become too late. Changes in supporting bone or medical health issues may mean implants are no longer an option. So, stay proactive—it will pay off through the years!


    Wynn H Okuda - Generations Magazine - June-July 2013

    Wynn H. Okuda, DMD, Inc.

    Cosmetic, Implant and Restorative Dentistry
    3660 Waialae Ave., Suite 315, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816

    808-734-1099 | www.cosmeticdentistryhawaii.com

    Q: How can I ensure that my teeth and mouth stay healthy and strong for a lifetime? A: Two words to remember for a healthy smile are, “Be Proactive”! There’s no magic dental wand, but follow this philosophy to help keep your teeth for a lifetime. First, seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly is…

  • Message from the Editor – June / July 2013

    Summer is upon us and it is time to get out and enjoy all of what Hawai‘i’s cultures offer. The list includes everything from the Asian Pacific Arts Dance Festival with Hawaiian Hula and Ukulele performances, to Korean Changgo drums and a whole list of
    great events so check out page 24. If you love Sake like I do, there is no better event in Hawai‘i then the “Taste of Sake” tasting so get your tickets for this August 16th celebration at the Convention Center.

    As one of the so-called “Late Boomers” born 1956-65, I am always in awe of our cover stories as they are so inspirational to me and I know to all our readers. There is no better icon in football than Norm Chow as he is, for 67, truly the new 47 year old. Please don’t call coach Chow a senior though as he doesn’t consider himself one. As I first met coach Chow for our interview and photo shoot, he literally looked at me and asked why “him”—he said, “I’m not a senior.” I told him he is a role model for all of us and our readers will love his story of his energy, love for football and his young players. I will say at 67, coach Chow, you are in exceptional shape and no senior in my eyes.

    In this issue look for our new regular business partners in Aloha Care’s Medicare column, Hawaii Pacific Health’s Straub Hospital informational page (this month is a “Fall Prevention” event) and read our newest columnist Frank B. Shaner’s “Frankly Speaking” thoughts and words.

    Les Ihara - Generations Magazine - June-July 2013
    Les Ihara

    Lastly, Happy Father’s Day as we celebrate all our Dads on June 16. I do want to send out a special Happy Father’s Day to my father Les Ihara, as for over 17 years, our family vacations are paid by our parents and have made him happy to see his children, spouses, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren enjoy a great family bond. Thankful as well for all the great experiences we had growing up all over the world because of his Army career—how much we learned about different people, weather and cultures.

    Live Well,
    Generations - 2014-12-01 - Editors Note - Image 01

    Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

    Generations - 2014-12-01 - Editors Note - Image 02

    Summer is upon us and it is time to get out and enjoy all of what Hawai‘i’s cultures offer. The list includes everything from the Asian Pacific Arts Dance Festival with Hawaiian Hula and Ukulele performances, to Korean Changgo drums and a whole list of great events so check out page 24. If you love Sake like…

  • “Lite” and Creamy Pasta with Asparagus and Shrimp

    Lite and Creamy Pasta - Generations Magazine - June-July 2013A colorful summer delight. You’ll want to use a nice rigatoni (tube) or farfalle (bowtie) pasta for this recipe. The shape of the pasta is perfect with the creamy sauce and serves as the perfect backdrop for the beautiful greens and pinks of the asparagus and shrimp.

    1 lb uncooked pasta
    4 oz lite or fat free cream cheese
    1 cup chicken stock
    Juice of 3 lemons (reserve lemon zest)
    1 lb U16-20 shrimp (shelled and deveined)
    1 bunch asparagus (woody part discarded)
    Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
    Parmesan cheese

    Put a large pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add peeled/cleaned shrimp and asparagus and poach for 2-3 minutes or less, until shrimp has just turned pink. Remove from heat and set aside. Prepare pasta according to package directions, drain, reserving 2/3 cup of the cooking liquid. Heat a small sauce pan over medium heat and slowly add the cream cheese to the stock, using a whisk to break up and blend the two ingredients. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the cooking liquid. Once the cream cheese has been incorporated, whisk in the lemon juice.

    Slice the asparagus on the diagonal and add to the cream sauce, along with the shrimp. Toss the sauce with the pasta, top with Parmesan and the lemon zest and serve.

    Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 4–6


     

    Chef Michi founded ‘Cooking Fresh For You’. Her recipes center on healthy and flavor-packed dishes. Visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com or contact via cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com, 808-286-6484. Also, visit her Cooking FRESH locations: 909 Kapahulu Ave. | Queens POB I – 1329 Lusitana St. |
    Queens POB II – 550 S. Beretania St. | Lunch Truck – UH Manoa on East West Rd. by Kennedy Theatre.

    A colorful summer delight. You’ll want to use a nice rigatoni (tube) or farfalle (bowtie) pasta for this recipe. The shape of the pasta is perfect with the creamy sauce and serves as the perfect backdrop for the beautiful greens and pinks of the asparagus and shrimp. 1 lb uncooked pasta 4 oz lite or…

  • “It’s Not Like It Was, But It Will Work”

    My dad had a saying when he was trying to fix things around the house. He was a wonderful man, let there be no question. But when it came to being a “handy-man” — not so much. When he would finish a project, no matter how big or how small, he would finish with this phrase — which was used over and over again by many of his friends [and now, his son] — “It’s not like it was, but it will work.”

    Duct tape has saved many a marriage. I know this for a fact. Elmer’s Glue has saved many a school project. Again, I speak from experience. There is a time and a place for using duct tape or glue. But when it comes to our personal well-being, best to see a professional.

    It’s one thing to try to replace the hinges on a cupboard door. It’s another to diagnose whether or not you have a cold or double pneumonia.

    Last month, we visited a senior center where the staff practiced something called “Namaste.” I don’t know all the details about the practice, but I will tell you this. It involves the senses of touch, sound and smell. Seniors, many of them with dementia, were obviously connected to the practitioners during the practice of Namaste.

    This brings us back to my original statement. “It’s not like it was, but it will work.” As we age, we may look for many ways to feel better. It may be traditional western medicine, it may be medicine involving our native culture, it may be something like Namaste. But the important thing is — talk to a professional. Find out what he/she has to say about what ails you. The answer may be simple — it may be complex. But don’t try to fix it yourself without help. There’s a reason those healers have worked to become who they are. The answer you don’t want to hear is, “It’s not like it was, but it will work.”


     

    The Elderhood Project airs on KHON2 Friday morning news at 5:45 a.m. and Thursday news at 5 p.m.

    My dad had a saying when he was trying to fix things around the house. He was a wonderful man, let there be no question. But when it came to being a “handy-man” — not so much. When he would finish a project, no matter how big or how small, he would finish with this phrase — which was…

  • 2013 Legislature Sends Mixed Signals

    As the 2013 legislative session came to a close, volunteer advocates welcomed the passage of legislation tied to AARP Hawai‘i’s long-term care priorities — but cautioned that more must be done to address a growing elder-care challenge that threatens to overwhelm individuals and families.

    “AARP welcomes funding commitments for Kūpuna Care and Aging and Disability Resource Centers,” said AARP Hawai‘i State President Gerry Silva. “At the same time we believe state government should be more proactive in preparing older residents and their families to cope with the rising cost of care eldercare, which threatens their retirement security.”

    Funds were provided for one of the Commission’s recommendations — an actuarial and feasibility study of a mandatory public insurance program for Hawai‘i’s working population. But another critical component — the need for public education to help residents understand the risks associated with long-term care — went unfunded.

    “Education is time-sensitive. Planning takes time and time is running out for many who will soon need care,” Silva said. “Unless we provide Hawai‘i residents with basic information about long-term care, including the different types of care services available, how much they cost, and the risk of needing some form of care in the future, many older residents and their families are in for a rude awakening as they realize how limited their options are.”

    The Long-Term Care Commission was established by the Legislature in 2008 (Act 224) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Hawai‘i’s long-term care system and recommend changes. Its report identified a convergence of forces that spell trouble for Hawai‘i’s future if not acted upon, including 1) a rapidly aging population, 2) a lack of public funding to support the medical needs of its seniors, and 3) a population that isn’t planning and is largely unprepared to pay for its own care.

    Many studies support the Commission’s assessment that eldercare is beyond the reach of most Hawai‘i residents. In a 2012 AARP survey of Hawai‘i residents age 50+ nearly two-thirds (64 percent) said they are not confident they can afford to pay for even one year in a nursing home. A separate national survey last year pegged the annual cost of one year in a private nursing home in Hawai‘i at $125,000.

    “We’re asking the state to sound the alarm — just as it does in the face of natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis,” Silva said. “Sound the alarm for the ‘silver tsunami’ so that people can prepare for what may be a devastating blow for our elders and their families.”

    For an overview of AARP’s priority outcomes for the 2013 session, go online to http://states.aarp.org/legislature-funds-long-term-care-priorities-selectively/.


     

    Contact AARP Hawai‘i for more information:
    State Office: 808-545-6024 | Toll-Free: 866-295-7282
    hiaarp@aarp.org | www.aarp.org/states/hi

    As the 2013 legislative session came to a close, volunteer advocates welcomed the passage of legislation tied to AARP Hawai‘i’s long-term care priorities — but cautioned that more must be done to address a growing elder-care challenge that threatens to overwhelm individuals and families. “AARP welcomes funding commitments for Kūpuna Care and Aging and Disability Resource Centers,”…

  • How Much Money Do I Need?

    The “million dollar” question many of those preparing for retirement ask themselves is simply stated but not necessarily easy to answer — “how much money do I need to save to secure a comfortable retirement?” In some circles, this is referred to as “the number” — that magical figure that tells pre-retirees how prepared they may be.

    A recent survey from Ameriprise Financial found that working Americans ages 50–70 with at least $100,000 in investable assets estimated that what’s needed to comfortably retire, on average, was $930,000.

    But what does that number really mean? How important is it? What assumptions must you make to arrive at a number — and how many rapidly changing factors impact your number? Preparing for retirement is about much more than arriving at a number, but some calculation is necessary.

    Calculate Your Retirement Expenses

    When determining how much you’ll need to save, it’s helpful to think in terms of how much income you’ll need to withdraw to cover expenses. But projecting future spending is an inexact science. Some expenses might go away (mortgage, FICA taxes, retirement plan contributions), but you may also have more time and energy to spend money on things you need and want to do. However, medical expenses could greatly increase too.

    Essential Expenses

    These are the required costs associated with daily living — food, shelter, utilities, transportation, insurance (health, life, long-term care) and taxes — that most likely will persist in retirement.

    Lifestyle Expenses

    This is the “fun” part of retirement — interests that you want to pursue such as golfing, travel, owning a vacation property or starting a business. To make these lifestyle choices a reality, enough money needs to be in place to finance them. Though separating out lifestyle expenses from required expenses can help you prioritize, using funds from your nest egg too quickly can jeopardize your long-term financial security. Spending on lifestyle needs can be adjusted as needed throughout retirement, as these are considered discretionary expenses.

    Your remaining available assets can be used to fund lifestyle expenses. You may choose to invest this money more actively with a strategy of drawing down assets over time using a sustainable withdrawal rate.

    A true number may be elusive, but using this process, you may have a better sense of what your ultimate savings goal is. It may be useful to set multiple goals — or “numbers” — to reach enough to cover essential expenses and then lifestyle expenses. Beyond these goals, you might also consider the amount you’ll need to cover unexpected expenses in retirement and to leave a legacy.

    Planning financially for retirement can be complex as you near retirement: taking appropriate steps to calculate income needs in an evolving economic and political environment can become more complicated. Consider working with a financial professional who can help you work toward your short- and long-term goals.


     

    Michael W. K. Yee at (808) 952-1222 ext. 1240

    Michael W K Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CRPC®, is a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™ with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 25 years. To contact him, michael.w.yee@ampf.com, 808.952.1222 ext 1240, 1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1100 Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96814.
    Advisor is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. residents only in the states of Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
    1 The Money Across Generations IISM study was commissioned by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and conducted by telephone by GfK in December 2011 among 1,006 affluent baby boomers (those with $100,000 or more in investable assets); 300 parents of baby boomers; and 300 children of baby boomers at least 18 years old. The margin of error is +/- three percentage points for the affluent boomers segment and +/- six percentage points for the parents and children of boomers segments.
    2 United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Family and Medical Leave Act http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/
    Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues.
    Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
    ©2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

    The “million dollar” question many of those preparing for retirement ask themselves is simply stated but not necessarily easy to answer — “how much money do I need to save to secure a comfortable retirement?” In some circles, this is referred to as “the number” — that magical figure that tells pre-retirees how prepared they may be. A recent…

  • Feeling Right at Home . . . in Vegas

    Generations Magazine - 2013-06-07 - Las Vegas - Image 01If you thought it was just the low prices that enticed thousands of Hawaii’s seniors to book their Vegas trips through Vacations Hawai‘i, take a closer look. Vacations Hawai‘i offers 4 flight patterns per week on non-stop flights between Honolulu & Vegas, on comfortable wide body 767 aircraft. It’s the most comfortable aircraft to fly across the Pacific. With a 2-3-2 seat configuration and twin aisles, you’re never more than a seat away from an aisle. A Vacations Hawaii escort travels with each flight to ease the normal challenges that come with traveling. It’s not uncommon for us to transport a fair number of customers who require wheelchairs and with the assistance of porters, we provide a seamless transition for them from the aircraft, through the airport and on to our buses. Should you need assistance during your stay at our 3 popular downtown properties, the California, Fremont and Main Street Station Hotels, Vacations Hawaii’s staff is just a phone call away. And of course the biggest reason customersGenerations Magazine - 2013-06-07 - Las Vegas - Image 02 keep coming back, is the great time they have in Vegas with old and new friends!

    The California Hotel and Casino, better known as “The Cal,” will make you feel right at home from the moment you step inside the door. With its inviting tropical island decor, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise. Genuine Aloha Spirit is what you’d expect to find at the Cal, and that is why it is affectingly known as the 9th island.

    When you arrive at the Cal we invite you to get your game on. There are plenty of ways to play — live-action gaming, more than 1,000 video poker and reel machines, and even a satellite-fed Sports Book, at the Cal, you’re bound to hit it big! Whether you’re a serious Generations Magazine - 2013-06-07 - Las Vegas - Image 03gambler or playing your first slot machine or table game, our friendly staff will make you feel at ease.

    The California Hotel and Casino also offers a variety of shopping choices for you. We have several specialty shops which are located on-site. The Bridge Avenue retail area offers a bit of the islands, some special treats and convenient gift shops.

    From the Cal Club to the Redwood Bar & Grill, the Cal offers some very unique choices for every appetite with our distinct dining venues!

    Within minutes of the Fremont Street Experience, you can enjoy live nightly entertainment, an exciting light show, and if you’re feeling really adventuresome you can enjoy a thrill of an amazing zipline.


     

    VACATIONS HAWAI‘I
    Oahu: 808-591-4777 | Neighbor Isles: 800-548-8951
    www.boydvacationshawaii.com

    Vanessa May, Vacations Hawai‘i Marketing Manager
    California, Fremont, & Main Street Station
    Direct: 702-386-4419 | Cell: 702-249-7494
    Fax: 702-386-4463

    If you thought it was just the low prices that enticed thousands of Hawaii’s seniors to book their Vegas trips through Vacations Hawai‘i, take a closer look. Vacations Hawai‘i offers 4 flight patterns per week on non-stop flights between Honolulu & Vegas, on comfortable wide body 767 aircraft. It’s the most comfortable aircraft to fly…

  • Who Are You Calling a Senior?

    Movie night and what to see? Standing in line, I looked up to see what was playing. Getting up to the booth to pay for my ticket, the young man asked me, “What movie Sir?” I replied, “Life of Pi” please, I’ve enjoyed pie for years and I’m so happy they finally made a movie about it”. The cashier looked at me strangely and said “Ok Sir that will be $7.50 please”. I said, “Wow, $7.50! Must be some kind of a special today?” The kid looked up and said, “Well Sir, seniors are $7.50. Regular Adults are $10.00. You’re considered a Senior Adult so you get to save $2.50 on your ticket”.

    “What! I’m not ready to be called a senior! I’ll pay for 1 Adult ticket please!”

    And this happened to me when I was only 49! Damn! Maybe I saved $2.50 but I lost years of dignity in that one quick transaction.

    So what happened, where did the time go for God sakes? Just an hour and a half ago it was 1965 and graduation day at Kaimuki! Now I stand and look back and say what the hell happened! Close to 50 years have passed and now it’s the beginning of the 4th quarter. They call it the Wonder Years, yeah, ok. You wonder what the hell happened to the time.

    We are called the Baby-boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, and we were conceived from the Greatest Generation! Our Moms and Dads lived through WWII and when they came home they made babies, a lot of them. Baby Boomers — we are the generation that tested the Government, witnessed the assassinations of our leaders, and we invented Love, Sex and Rock-n-Roll. We fought in nasty wars, came home to work and became doctors, lawyers, teachers, bankers and Radio Personalities! We dedicated ourselves to our jobs and families and then had mid-life crisis and went in search for the meaning of life. We were and still are a fiercely independent bunch of World War ll babies and we continue to make a difference. We are probably the last generation who had a thriving middle class and probably will be the last generation to collect Social Security and Medicare as we know it.

    So the question is, have you been playing your fiddle or storing your nuts or playing your fiddle AND storing your nuts. If the latter, good going! Preparing for the fourth quarter is tricky. I’m not a financial adviser but it’s good to have a few bucks around to help your co-pay as you go along. But the most important part of the fourth quarter is your sense of humor and balance. It truly comes down to Mind, Body, Soul and laughter. This is way more important than any bank roll you might have, because if you don’t have balance and laughter then you have nothing.

    And now it’s Generation X and Generation Y who have to start to pay their own way and they need to drop the word Entitlement! They need to get off their okole’s and get to work. Baby Boomers are not afraid of confrontation and will not hesitate to challenge the establishment. The funny thing is, WE are the Establishment now!


     

    Join in a conversation with Frank B. Shaner on facebook and experience his art online at www.frankbshaner.com.

    Movie night and what to see? Standing in line, I looked up to see what was playing. Getting up to the booth to pay for my ticket, the young man asked me, “What movie Sir?” I replied, “Life of Pi” please, I’ve enjoyed pie for years and I’m so happy they finally made a movie…