New Seniors

Coffee is a simple drink enjoyed by adults in homes, restaurants and workplaces everywhere. Per capita consumption increased steadily over the first half of the last century, going up 78% during that period. Since then the consumption rate has declined to about where it was a hundred years ago. But marketers are burning the midnight oil to find ways to get more people to drink more coffee more often than just in the morning.

Easter seemed to come and go without much fanfare this year. Maybe it’s because, unlike Christmas, there is no fixed date for Easter which was later than usual. Perhaps the economy had a negative effect on clothing sales, which usually pick up around this holiday. Or, maybe with Mother’s Day so close flower giving was postponed until then. Some will say it is because religion itself has fallen on hard times.

If you think Mother’s Day was created by florists, jewelers or the greeting card industry for the purpose of selling their wares, think again. This special day of commemoration is celebrated in countries throughout the world. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times, yet Mother’s Day is as modern as today.

An afternoon at the park is a great way for city dwellers to enjoy the fresh spring air and clear away the winter cobwebs. It’s often the only way we can get close to nature in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. However, over the years basic manners and general decorum to allow others to enjoy the park have been forgotten or, worse yet, ignored.

Public unions had a good run, but the race is over. The leaders must stop colluding with politicians while holding the rest of the population hostage. Unless they rethink the demands public unions make on all taxpayers, Americans could turn on them faster than a fish left out in the sizzling summer sun.

“Look for the union label,” was a familiar jingle following WWII. This ad campaign, paid for with funds from union dues, was heard over the airways for many years after the war was over.

“Lead, follow or get out of the way,” has been the battle cry of ambitious people worldwide. This is, in particular, the case here in the United States. In recent years, however, the growth of government and the controls, regulations and spending resulting from it have done little to advance the creative spirit needed to get the American economy flying high again.

The Democrats lost the recent election in Wisconsin and are complaining that the Republicans, now in power, are not being fair in dealing with the teacher’s union. This brings to mind the situation in Washington a little over a year ago when the Democrats, the majority, refused to let the Republicans make changes in the proposed health care legislation. Both situations can be summarized in a succinctly, “We won, you lost.”

Depending on what papers you read and which newscasts you listen to very different reports emerge. Half-truths, innuendoes and outright smears are coming to us, not just from the combatants, via the news media. Has objective reporting given way to emotional promotion of specific points-of-views?

Functionally, diving a car is to get from one place to another. When New Seniors were young it meant freedom. As we grew older, having a fancy vehicle brought prestige with it. Then driving became a necessity in order to transport the kids from one event to another. In later years convenience gave way to comfort. And, in time, driving a car reverted back to getting from one place to another. So, what are people saying about driving today?