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Can You Live on $845.89 Per Month?

By Chuck Saletta

If you think you can count on Social Security for anything resembling a comfortable retirement, think again. Don't just take my word for it. Here's what the Social Security Administration itself claims:
As of June 2008, the average monthly benefit paid to a retired worker was $1,084.47. In 2041, Social Security will only be able to pay 78% of scheduled benefits. Put those two points together, and it means that in 2041, the average retiree can expect to receive the inflation-adjusted equivalent of $845.89 per month.

That may be enough to squeak by on the most meager of lifestyles, but it's also well below what a full-time minimum-wage job pays.

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T. Boone Pickens could gain from his energy plan, but so might we

David Lazarus

When a guy heavily invested in natural gas and wind power says the answer to our energy woes is natural gas and wind power, it's hard not to smirk at his Texas-size gumption.But let's not be hasty. Energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens unveiled a plan Tuesday to wean the United States from its dependence on foreign oil.

By shifting to natural gas as a transportation fuel and increasing our reliance on wind power, he said, we could cut oil imports by as much as 38%."Our dependence on imported oil is killing our economy," Pickens said in a statement. "It is the single biggest problem facing America today."

He called the country's oil purchases from places like Saudi Arabia "the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of mankind, sending billions of our dollars overseas to buy . . . a commodity that lasts 90 days until burned in our gas tanks."Pickens, a legendary oilman, said his plan could change things within five to 10 years "if we can get Congress and the administration to act quickly."

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Increase Your Bartending Tips - Show Vs. Go

To increase your tips you need to realize that your customers fall into two distinct categories:
Those that want to chat, party and have a great time at your bar (Show)The quiet, serious(ish) customers that want their drink asap (Go)The good news is that both customer categories are equally profitable.

The better news is that if you follow the steps detailed below you will squeeze maximum dollars out of each group. Your first step is to identify the category a customer falls into which is pretty obvious once you’re looking for it (Go = Quiet, Show = Loud).

Your second step is to treat them accordingly:

Show: Most important thing is that you remember their name. Once you’ve identified that they are there to party, introduce yourself to them. I’m really bad with names so I’ll even write them down if I have time.

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Agenda: Crab Boil Wednesdays, Restaurant Week, Chefs & Champagne, and Meet Your Maker

FEATURED EVENT Summer Crab Boil In the spirit of sister restaurant Savoy's summer clam bakes, Back Forty (190 Avenue B) will present the first of its first annual summer Crab Boils. The old fashion crab boil includes spiced Blue Crabs...

Bird Rock Bandits and Parents Sued, Bar Also Named

The lawsuit also names BARKANDBREW INC., doing business as the La Jolla Brew House, for serving beer to House and Yanke, who were not only minors, but were intoxicated, according to the lawsuit.

Brinker International Announces Favorable Ruling From California Court of Appeal

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT) announced today that a California Court of Appeal has issued an opinion in Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court of San Diego County which included rulings favorable to the company related to meal and rest breaks.

Global Comparable Sales Drive Strong Second Quarter Results at McDonald's

McDonald's Corporation today announced strong operating results for the second quarter, driven by global comparable sales growth of 6.1%.

Zagat Releases 2009 D.C./Baltimore Dining Survey

Charleston Sweeps Baltimore for Popularity and Food, Locals Go Green and Online

Japanese Conquer Capital in New Zagat Dining Survey

More and More US Cities in Line with Far East Taste Trend - Makoto Hailed for Best Food in D.C., Inn at Little Washington Drops to No. 2 - Citronelle Voted Most Popular, Locals Go Green and Online

Sweet, Sweet Washington

Great cupcakes.