Alright, it's Labor day weekend.  Most of us have a three day weekend or some additional time this weekend to have some fun.  

World English Dictionary

integrity (ɪnˈtɛɡrɪtɪ)

n 1. adherence to moral principles; honesty

2. the quality of being unimpaired; soundness

3. unity; wholeness

It seems to me like a lot of people talk about Integrity without realizing what it means...or should I say, what it takes to have Integrity.

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Since the housing bubble popped, banks have made it almost impossible for a lot of people to purchase homes.  Credit cards aren't offered like candy like they used to be. Unless you've got a golden financial plan for a business, you'd be better off to rely on family and friends to gather the cash for your business.

But, with auto loans, typically all you need to demonstrate is that you can fog a mirror and be willing to hold down a job. 

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes... I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

Laws control the lesser man.  Right conduct controls the greater one. 



~Chinese Proverb

Are home sales on the rebound?

Well, that depends on which statistic you look at, but a review of all reports suggest that we're not out of the woods yet.

On Wednesday morning the government reported new home sales for July reached their lowest level for that month since 1982.

Forbes Magazine reported that compared with a year earlier, both the adjusted and unadjusted figures showed new home sales actually fell more than 9%.

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Well, it's back to school time and if you're a parent, you're keenly aware of the expenses associated with it.  The clothes, school supplies, expenses for various classes that are not covered with the tuition that you have to pay and accessories can really sting...financially speaking.

Well, as bad as it seems, enjoy it while it lasts because the costs for Elementary, Junior High and High school don't hold a candle to the costs associated with College.

A couple was having a discussion about their finances. Finally the husband exploded, "If it weren't for my money, the house wouldn't be here!"

The wife replied, "My dear, if it weren't for your money, I wouldn't be here."



Peace and Success,

Kevin Halper