Today’s BoomeR

Today’s

Vol.3 No.2

Featuring The Only B2B Featuring The Only B2B Featuring The Only B2B ---Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!Business 2 BoomeR Marketplace!

Reap the Fruits of Your Labor in Your Retirement

Boomer Boomer Healthy Eating Healthy Eating Corned BeefCorned BeefCorned Beef : : : New England New England New England Style Style Style

Social Security: Prep is Key for Your Retirement

Cars and Stars that celebrate 50 Cars and Stars that celebrate 50 Cars and Stars that celebrate 50 years of greatness and are still years of greatness and are still years of greatness and are still

going strong!going strong!going strong! 106th Chicago Auto Show: 106th Chicago Auto Show: 106th Chicago Auto Show:

A Boom for Boomers A Boom for Boomers A Boom for Boomers

Boomer Travel Boomer Travel Tracing Irish Tracing Irish

RootsRoots

Fabulous @ 50!Fabulous @ 50!Fabulous @ 50!

Tax Time Tips: Keeping Your Taxes Due Down

2 Today’s BoomeR

Up Coming Cruises-

Book Now!

A Tulip Time River Cruise

“Credit Union Success Symposium”

April 5-April 12th, 2014

Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers “Credit Union Volunteers Forum”

June 20-June 27th, 2014

Viking to Czars A Scandinavia/Russian Voyage

“Credit Union Winds of Changes Symposium”

August 1-August 13th, 2014

Cambodia & Vietnam Riches of the Mekong

“Credit Union Survival to Thrival Forum”

August 19th-September 3, 2014

Today’s BoomeR 3

Founder John Vardallas & Alexandra Maragha

Editor-In-Chief Alexandra Maragha

Contributing Writers :

Karyl Richson: Social Security

Chef Eben Atwater: Healthy Eating

Advertising: Team

For Letters to the Editor, articles and feedback

as well as advertising inquiries email

Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com

The American BoomeR.com

John Vardallas

CEO/Founder Professional Speaker

Business/Lifestyle Strategist

Boomer Sage and Blogger

JohnVardallas@TheAmericanBoomeR.com

(608) 577-8707

Alexandra Maragha

Co-Founder, Editor-In-Chief Today’s BoomeR

Alexandra@TheAmericanBoomeR.com

Today’s BoomeR Vol.3 No.2 Today’s BoomeR is published

six times (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/ June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct,

Nov/Dec) a year by The American BoomeR.com

769 North Star Drive (Suite 207) Madison, WI 53718 All rights

reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission

is prohibited.

The American Boomer

@American_Boomer

Today’s

This Issue

March/ April 2014

Volume 3, Number 2

Social Security 5

Preparation is key for your retirement

Boomer Travel 6

Tracing Irish Roots

Tax Time Tips 8

7 Most Missed Tax Deductions and Credits

Tax Time Tips 9

5 Things That Could Trigger a Bigger Tax Bill

Planning for Retirement 10

Reap the fruits of your labor

Chicago Auto Show 12

106th show, A boom for Boomers

Fabulous After 50 16

Boomer Healthy Eating 17

Home Cured Corned Beef

B2B Marketplace 19

Business 2 Boomers Marketplace

4 Today’s BoomeR

(feature) p. 10

p. 4

p. 12

Slow down and take time

EDITOR’S LETTER

Today’s

Alexandra Maragha

Editor-In-Chief

Send Letters and Feedback to: Alexandra@theamericanboomer.com

The world is a busy place and it seems that time is never slowing down and

always speeding up. Work, commitments, and even family obligations can

create a chaotic atmosphere with little time to stop and appreciate the small

things that make up each part of any day.

This issue is to take time and relax during this time of year that invites a lull

between the start of a new year, and before the warm weather of summer

invites another shift of busy schedules to take place.

We provided tax time tips to help you get your taxes done in a more efficient

way and included information about care in your retirement and how to

prepare so you can enjoy not only the benefits but most importantly, the

time. With business aside, we took time to enjoy the beauty of fifty, with the

Mustang celebrating 50 years at the Chicago Auto Show, and a glance at

Hollywood celebrities who are fabulous at and past turning the big 5-0.

And it cant be spring without a great trip in mind, so we offer a tour of

Ireland and complimentary cooking in our boomer healthy eating to take

some time to appreciate the sights, smells and with a little Irish luck,

wonderful tastes to savor.

We thank you for your time with us and encourage you to slow down, enjoy,

and make each moment count! Spring forward!

Today’s BoomeR 5

Social Security:

IN IDITAROD AND RETIREMENT, PREP IS KEY

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, held each March in Alaska, is

one of the harshest, most challenging races known to man (or

dog). Mushers embark on a race from Anchorage to Nome that

takes between 9 and 15 days. Contestants bear sub-zero

temperatures with gale-force winds that can cause wind chills

as low as negative 100 degrees Fahrenheit! It takes endurance,

preparation, and careful planning to make it from start to finish.

The same can be said for your race toward retirement and

Social Security. No one would hit the trail without being ready

for the challenges. Similarly, no worker today should be

navigating toward retirement without a little bit of preparing,

planning, and stick-to-itiveness.

Choosing your steps is as important as selecting the right sled

dogs. Your first step in planning for a comfortable retirement is

to look at your Social Security Statement, which you can do

online easily with a my Social Security account. The online

Statement is easy to use and provides estimates you should

consider in planning for your retirement. It provides estimates

for disability and survivors benefits, making the Statement an

important financial planning tool. Your Statement allows you to

review and ensure your earnings are accurately posted to your

Social Security record. This feature is important because Social

Security benefits are based on average earnings over your

lifetime. If the information is incorrect, or you have earnings

missing from your record, you may not receive all of the

benefits to which you are entitled in the future. Visit

www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to set up a my Social

Security account and get started.

Before heading into the snowy terrain, you want to make sure

you have prepared for a number of different possible obstacles

on the trail. For retirement planning, you’ll want to test out the

Retirement Estimator to see how changes in your income,

retirement age, and other variables may change your overall

plan. Use our Retirement Estimator, where you can get a

personalized, instant estimate of your future retirement

benefits using different retirement ages and scenarios. Visit the

Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Out in the cold, you’ll be thankful for the provisions you’ve

brought along. In retirement, you’ll understand why it was so

important for you to save early on. The sooner you begin your

financial planning, the better off you will be. Social Security

replaces about 40 percent of the average worker’s

pre-retirement earnings, but most financial advisors say that

you will need 70 percent or more of pre-retirement earnings to

live comfortably. You also will need other savings, investments,

pensions or retirement accounts to make sure you have

financial security to live comfortably when you retire. Visit the

Ballpark Estimator for tips to help you save. You’ll find it at

www.choosetosave.org/ballpark.

Use our online library of publications as your trail map or

guidebook to help you when it comes to planning for

retirement. Check out When To Start Receiving Retirement

Benefits. It and many other useful publications can be found at

www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

As you mush, mush, mush toward retirement, remember that

it’s not about the destination, but all about the journey.

Spending a little time to prepare along the way will make all the

difference when you cross the finish line into retirement.

By Karyl Richson , Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

6 Today’s BoomeR

B

OO

ME

R T

RA

VE

L

BO

OM

ER

TR

AV

EL

By Carla Waldemar

“With 50 million Irish in America,” declares our guide, “we should be the 51st state.” Plus, 23 U.S. presidents claimed Irish blood. And that doesn’t include O’Bama.

The story of Ireland is a story of migration. Galway was a prime departure point. Columbus stopped here to study a map of an earlier crossing, on view in St. Nicholas Church.

Dan O’Hara made the journey, too. His cottage is preserved at Connemara Heritage and History Centre, a tribute to the farmer evicted during the potato fam-ine of the 1840s—the Holocaust of Ireland—forced to migrate on those notorious coffin ships.. Dan’s wife and children died en-route.

Overseer Martin lends his tenor to “The Ballad of Dan” aside the cottage’s turf fire, then pours a drop of the gut-blazing moonshine called potsheen. He shoulders a spade to demonstrate how Ireland’s peat is cut into turf logs for fuel.

Today’s BoomeR 7

A turf fire welcomes us to Renvyle House, once site of a powerful Celtic chieftan, and host to more modern potentates—politician Churchill, poet Yeats, writer Joyce—aside the pewter-colored sea. Borrow a bike, golf club or kayak before heading on.

We pass Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain where Patrick, its patron saint, spent 40 days fasting and praying. But no fasting in Westport, our destination. Winner of Ireland’s Tidy Town award, the streets glisten with newly-painted storefronts, including the rimson of Matt Molloys. Matt, of Chieftans fame, frequently plays here while bartenders pour the best Guinness to be had.

We don our Wellies at Ballycroy National Park to tramp the panoramic blanket bog. “How’re youse?” inquires Denis at the Visitors Centre where Winnie, via video, explains her childhood’s cookery—churning butter, butchering pigs. Then Denis takes us walking the bog itself—like slogging on a soggy trampoline.

Then on to the wild moors and majestic cliffs of Achill Island, also victim to the infamous famine. In abandoned village of Slievemore, we scramble among tumbling stone cottages, burnt by absentee landlords to evict tenants unable to meet rent. Then on to Addergoule and its new Titanic Memorial.

Why here? Because, in the famine’s aftermath, there were no jobs. So 14 of its sparse populace booked steerage on the

Titanic in search of a better life. Eleven perished. But this is more than just another Titanic story. As guide Alex Nolan explains the tragedy, men without jobs, couldn’t marry. Girls faced spinsterhood. Today the church’s stained glass win-dows depict the disaster and its bell tolls every April 15. The new park hosts bronze figures of those emigrants.

Foxford Woolen Mills is more than just a gorgeous shopping op; it’s also a symbol of a turnaround in Ireland’s fortunes. Here a nun, sent to teach those in misery, put first things first: jobs for the hungry. She envisioned harnessing the river to power a woolen mill to employ townfolk, and strong-armed even wary Protestants into making it happen. Today, the mill offers an interactive history tour as well as delights for home and body.

Foxford’s blankets grace Mount Falcon, a gorgeous estate-turned-hotel that’s Eden for outdoors types: clay pigeon shooting, golf, water sports, and my tamer choice, fly fishing. Afterward, relax in the spa.

Then off to Dublin to trace Ireland’s history at Glasnevin Cemetery, where 1.5 million lie buried—everyone from the heroes of The Rebellion to New York’s Mayor LaGuardia. To salute them, we retire across the street to Gravediggers’ Pub, where it’s “Howya? How ya keepin’?” as we lift a final pint.

For information check www.discoverireland.com Photo credits: Courtesy of Tourism Ireland

8 Today’s BoomeR

Tax deductions and credits can save you money at tax time, but

many taxpayers miss them because they don't realize things

they do in their everyday life can give them more money back.

One thing you

should know is tax

deductions and

credits help your tax

situation in two

different ways: Tax

deductions can save

you money by lowering your taxable income. Tax credits direct-

ly reduce the taxes you owe, and if you qualify, you can claim a

credit whether you itemize your deductions are not.

Here are seven of the most-missed tax deductions and credits

you don't want to overlook:

1. Charitable contributions

Our lives are busy, and taxpayers may forget what donations

they gave last year may get them a bigger refund. If you

cleaned out your bulging closet and dropped off clothing or

household goods at your favorite charity, don't forget this may

be deductible on your tax return.

2. Tuition and fees deduction

Taxpayers taking a full course load and working toward a de-

gree can receive education benefits through the American Op-

portunity Tax Credit for college expenses, but those who took

even just one class to further their career may be able to take

the tuition and fees deduction. With this credit, you can deduct

up to $4,000 for tuition and fees, books and educational sup-

plies for you, your spouse or dependents. This tax deduction is

especially important to remember if you qualify because the

offer expires after tax year 2013.

3. State and sales tax deduction

Taxpayers can deduct state income taxes, but what about peo-

ple who live in states that don't have a state income tax? The

state and local sales tax deduction is useful for those who

don't pay state income tax because they can deduct sales tax

paid on purchases. Even people who live in states that pay

state income tax can benefit if they paid more sales tax due to

large purchases. This is another tax that is going away after the

2013 tax year, so don't miss out on this one.

4. Earned income tax credit

The earned income tax credit is a refundable tax credit given to

filers who earn low- to moderate- income from their jobs. The

credit can be worth up to $6,044, depending on income and

how many dependents you have, but one in five tax filers over-

look this opportunity, according to the Internal Revenue Ser-

vice. You have to file your taxes in order to get it, so even if

you make less than $10,000 (the IRS' minimum income filing

requirement) you should still file your taxes.

5. Job searching

If you were looking for a job last year, you may be able to de-

duct costs related to your job search – even if you didn't secure

a new one. Job search expenses such as preparing and sending

resumes, fees to placement agencies and even travel related to

searching for a new job can be included.

6. Retirement saver's credit

This credit is often overlooked and

seldom talked about, but if you

have an income up to $29,500

($59,000 for married filing jointly)

you can save for retirement and

get an tax credit worth up to

$1,000 for individuals and $2,000

for couples if you contributed to a

qualifying retirement plan such as

an individual retirement account

or 401(k). The retirement savers

tax credit is a win-win situation since contributions to your IRA

may also be a deduction from income.

7. Gambling losses

Taxpayers who weren't so lucky gambling last year should

know that their losses can be deducted if they itemize their

deductions. However, your amount of losses cannot surpass

your winnings, which must be reported as taxable income. For

example, if you have $2,000 in winnings and $4,000 in losses,

your deduction is limited to $2,000. Make sure you have docu-

mentation such as receipts, tickets and other records to sup-

port your losses.

By Lisa Greene-Lewis

7 Most Missed Tax Deductions and Credits 7 Most Missed Tax Deductions and Credits

From job search expenses to gambling losses, don’t From job search expenses to gambling losses, don’t

overlook these ways to reduce your tax billoverlook these ways to reduce your tax bill

Today’s BoomeR 9

The last thing anybody wants come April 15 is an unexpectedly

large tax bill. But if you didn't have enough money withheld

from your paychecks or you didn't plan for certain activities

that affect your taxable income, you might have an unpleasant

surprise in store. Here's a look at five factors that could trigger

unexpected taxes as well as strategies for planning around

them.

1. Self-employment income

If you had income from freelance or consulting work and didn't

have taxes withheld, your tax liability might catch you off-

guard. Self-employed taxpayers are responsible for their own

contributions to Medicare and Social Security, as well as the

contributions that would have been made by an employer (also

known as "self-employment tax"). When someone sets up a

business, "they get this big shock when they owe self-

employment taxes," says JeFreda Brown, CEO of Brown Ac-

counting Solutions in Birmingham, Ala. One way to avoid this

end-of-the-year surprise is to pay quarterly estimated taxes as

money comes in so you don't spend the money in other ways.

Taking deductions for eligible business expenses can help lower

your tax bill, Brown adds.

2. Unemployment benefits

For some, it's a cruel irony that unemployment benefits are

taxable. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ex-

empted the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits from feder-

al taxes, but that provision has since expired. One way to avoid

a huge tax bill is to have federal taxes withheld from your un-

employment checks (however, you may still owe state income

tax) or set aside the money yourself so you'll have the money

to pay taxes. "With a married couple, if one person goes on

unemployment, maybe the working spouse would [increase]

their withholding," says Neil Johnson, a partner in The Dolins

Group, a financial planning firm in Northbrook, Ill. If you item-

ize deductions, you might also offset some taxes on unemploy-

ment benefits by deducting eligible job search expenses such

as travel or lodging.

3. Forgiven debt

If you had debt forgiven by a credit card issuer, mortgage or

student loan lender, or other financial institution, it may create

"phantom income" that's taxable. Under the Mortgage For-

giveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, borrowers are exempt from

taxes on forgiven mortgage debt (short sales, foreclosures or

loan modifications) up to $2 million on a primary residence.

This expired at the end of 2013, but Congress may still extend

this tax relief. If your debt doesn't fall under MFDRA, don't des-

pair. You may still be exempt from taxes if you fall under the

Internal Revenue Service's insolvency

exclusion -- meaning your debts sur-

pass the value of your assets. "When

people have forgiven debt, they

shouldn't automatically think they're

going to be taxed on that income,"

says Andrew Schwartz, founder and

managing partner of accounting firm

Schwartz & Schwartz in Woburn,

Mass. "If somebody's debts exceed their assets, that 1099-C

[the tax form for forgiven debt] isn't taxable."

4. Distributions from a retirement account

Withdraw money from a retirement account such as a 401(k)

before age 59½, and you're typically subject to penalties and

taxes. Some financial institutions will withhold federal taxes

before distributing your money, but it may not be enough to

cover your federal tax liability and you may still owe state in-

come tax on distributions. "I see this snowball effect where you

lose your job and you tap your IRA, but then you don't have

the money to pay the tax," Johnson says. "Now you're dealing

with the IRS on some sort of installment agreement." If you

truly need the money in your retirement account, Schwartz

suggests opting for a 401(k) loan if you're still with that em-

ployer and your plan allows it. "With a 401(k) loan, you don't

pay taxes, and you pay yourself back plus interest," he says.

"Another thing to do is to stop contributing to the 401(k)

[temporarily]. That'll free up some cash flow."

5. Getting married

If you got married last year and you and your spouse both

work, changing withholding status to married with two allow-

ances may result in more taxes owed. That's because the with-

holding tables assume one spouse isn't working. "In a lot of

cases, not nearly enough taxes are being taken out, and that's

an unpleasant surprise for the newlywed," Schwartz says.

"When somebody fills out [their withholding], single is one op-

tion or married, but withhold at the higher rate."

5 Things That Could Trigger a

Bigger Tax Bill

If you had self-employment income,

unemployment benefits or forgiven debt

last year, your tax bill might surprise you.

By Susan Johnston

10 Today’s BoomeR

Reap the Fruits of Your Labor in Your Retirement Reap the Fruits of Your Labor in Your Retirement What you need to know to prepare for your longWhat you need to know to prepare for your long--term careterm care

Members of the Boomer generation are just beginning to reap the

fruits of a lifetime of hard work by beginning their second lives -

retirement. Since most can expect to live into their eighties, they now

face a new challenge - the possibility of needing long term nursing

care as they advance in age.

Planning for long term care is not merely a luxury, but a necessity.

Even those who do not find themselves in skilled nursing care (also

known as nursing home care) may have significant medical needs which may not be covered

by Medicare. The only way to be prepared if and when the time comes is to be educated about

the planning options available and the risks of failing to utilize them.

Will You Need Care? The Numbers You Need To Know

It’s difficult to see the future, but statistics can offer a window into the probability of facing a long term care

need, as 70% of people that reach the age of 65 can expect to need some form of long term care during their

remaining years. This means that a married couple reaching age 65 together has about a 90% chance of facing

a long term care need.

These statistics suggest that such care will play a significant role in lives of a vast majority of the population.

With that in mind, any retirement or estate planning should address the issue of long term care costs.

How Much Will I Pay For Care?

A number of factors determine cost of care, and each individual has unique care needs. Some aging individu-

als need only a few hours of assistance per day in the home; others require full-time supervision in a skilled

nursing facility. Memory care facilities are an option for those with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia.

In-home nursing care averages around $20 per hour nationally, and full-time nursing care typically costs an

individual over $200 per day. Even assisted living averages nearly $40,000 per year, so advance planning is

important, as is knowing local options.

How Will I Pay For My Care?

As the cost of long term care becomes clear, so does the need to plan for payment. By carefully considering

cost scenarios in advance, Boomers can put themselves in position to receive the care they need without los-

ing the ability to create a legacy with their estates.

Savings may be enough to cover the care Boomers need if they’ve been fortunate enough to build up a safety

net. The ability to pay with cash provides access to a wider range of options. This is called “private pay”, and

while it does not guarantee that an individual can have everything he or she desires, it does provide opportu-

By Nicholas R. Abts

nabts@hill-law-firm.com

?

Today’s BoomeR 11

nities for greater comfort and flexibility of care.

Commitment is key in making it possible to pay

privately. Advance financial and estate planning

combined with diligent savings habits can make a big

difference, even for Boomers getting a late start in

putting aside money for themselves.

Long term care insurance (LTCI) pays a daily benefit

that can be used to help pay for care. LTCI has the

benefit of having premiums that are partially tax

deductible under certain circumstances and payouts

that are not taxable to the insured. While LTCI

policies can fall short of the costs of care, the benefits

they provide can make a big dent in out-of-pocket

expenditures and preserve the advantages of the

private pay world.

LTCI is most effective when purchased in pre-

retirement years, when it is less expensive. The best

policies are purchased from highly rated companies

and have inflation protection, in-home care options

and returns of premium if the policy is not used.

Medicaid or Medical Assistance is a publicly funded

option for long term care protection. Medicaid is a

means-tested program, which means applicants must

meet a very low threshold of assets in order to

qualify. Medicaid varies by state in its administration,

but has federal guidelines that the states must follow

in implementing it.

Today 47 million Americans receive some sort of

medical assistance. Many also take advantage of

other means-tested programs that can be found

locally. A wide range of public benefits can be

available to those that meet the requirements, but

these can be difficult to navigate without professional

legal assistance.

Public medical assistance is not an option for every-

one. The means-testing requirement means

recipients need to “spend down” assets, which can

make leaving a financial legacy for future generations

challenging. However, state Medicaid programs allow

some assets to remain exempt from spend-down

requirements.

Careful planning is a must when utilizing public

medical assistance. Estate planning attorneys that

specialize in Medicaid planning can assist individuals

in understanding available benefits and can in some

circumstances provide options for protecting assets.

How Do I Start Planning?

All of the options discussed in this article have one

theme in common - the earlier you start, the more

prepared you will be for long term care needs. Estate

planning attorneys can help, particularly those with

experience in the Medicaid arena. Concerned

individuals can also seek out financial professionals

that specialize in long term care protection and have

experience working with Boomers. The biggest key is

to take advance precautions and seek the assistance

of qualified professionals.

With proper planning, Boomers can age gracefully,

live in comfort and still leave behind an enduring

legacy.

Retirement Resources you Need!

http://www.ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.htm

http://longtermcare.gov/thebasics/how-much-care-will-you-need/

http://longtermcare.gov/the-basics/who-pays-for-long-term-care/

https://www.genworth.com/dam/Americas/US/PDFs/Consumer/corporate/131168_031813_Executive%

20Summary.pdf

http://www.longtermcarelink.net/eldercare/medicaid_long_term_care.htm

12 Today’s BoomeR

By John A. Vardallas, Founder/CEO, TheAmericanBoomeR.com

The February Chicago Auto Show ended on a hot note despite being held during one

of the coldest winters on record. This year s show showcased plenty of muscle keep-

ing in theme with the 2014 Chinese Year of the Horse with plenty of High Tech/Eco

Friendly accessories to accompany those power rides. Even though this boomer was

impressed by a variety of new foreign kool hot rides (BMW/Jaguar/Audi), American

Auto Makers celebrated the return of the muscle car era in style.

106th Chicago Auto 106th Chicago Auto 106th Chicago Auto Show: Show: Show:

A Boom for BoomersA Boom for BoomersA Boom for Boomers

Today’s BoomeR 13

Horsepower was

the focus for

Ford who cele-

brated 50 years

of American

Muscle with the

introduction of

the sixth genera-

tion of Mustang.

The new

smoother style of

this pony car will

impress boomers

who have been

Mustangs fans

since the model

was introduced

in 1964. While

retaining the

long hood, short

deck roomier

styling, the new

generation Mus-

tang is lower

with a wider

stance that im-

proves traction

and handling as

well as gives you room for more coolers in the

trunk. The 300-horsepower, 3.7 liter V-6 and

the 420-horsepower, 5 liter v8 will be joined by

the new 305 horsepower, 2.3 liter twin turbo

EcoBoost four cylinder. Boomers will be lining

up this fall when the Mustang goes on sale

this fall just like we did after we got our first

drivers license.

General Motors muscle was also present in a

big way in Chicago. The new Chevy Corvette

ZO6 with a 6.2 liter, 625 horsepower super-

charged V-8 is teamed with a seven-speed

manual or new eight-speed automatic will give you

plenty of hold your breath acceleration moments. The

new Vette features a wider tires and a wider stance

for optimum performance handling and more lateral

support during aggressive motoring.

Cadillac showcased its luxury again with great new

model ATS and CTS coupes and sedans. They fea-

tured high performance V sports versions with a

choice of front or all wheel drive. The new Cadillac

Elmiraj was Best of Show Concept Car.

The new car colors also reflected a retro theme wit-

nessed by all of the Mellow Yellow, Candy Apple Red,

14 Today’s BoomeR

Bright Orange and Green as well as Purple Passion

dominating most exhibits.

Here Come the Muscle Trucks!

If you are a fan of trucks, all manufacturers featured a

variety of tricked out trucks for mainstream drivers.

This boomer was totally impressed with the new Ford

F-150. Redesigned and re-engineered, the best-selling

vehicle in the industry the past 32 years went on an

aluminum diet to shed 700 pounds in order to boost

mileage. All body panels are now aluminum which cost

more than steel. No word yet on pricing. All trucks will

feature EcoBoost engines and 360 degree exterior

cameras to help navigate off road trails.

High Tech also compli-

mented new car models in

abundance. Boomers will

have to get more tech sav-

vy when looking for a new

ride. Automakers have

embraced technology by

offering a variety of high

tech accessories to com-

pliment driver motoring.

In addition to GMs OnStar

and Chryslers uConnect,

more dashboard consoles

will feature 4 G connec-

tions and music apps like

Slacker and iHeartRadio

capability.

Today’s BoomeR 15

Cars at the show featured a variety of new tech

driving accessories:

Text Buddies featuring voice to text capability as

well as readers for incoming messages

Self Park: For those who hate to parallel park.

WiFi Hot spots (pioneered by Audi and now more

wide spread applications in American automakers)

will allow your passengers to work online or for

your kids to watch a movie on an I-pad

Nav 2 Go App: Free map updates application on

some of the new Chevrolets models

Second and Third sets of Eyes: Back up Cameras

featured on Hondas, Ford and Jeep offer SUV

Systems to see in those blind spots.

Remote Interaction: Apps to start your car, unlock

your doors and check when your car needs its

next service.

The Chicago Auto Show wrapped up with the Best of Show Awards. Winners in each individual category are sure to make this car buying season for boomers exciting

and full of retro fun!

Best All New Production:

Ford Mustang

Best Concept:

Cadillac Elmiraj

Best Green Car:

Cadillac ELR

Best Exhibit:

Chevrolet

Car I would most like in my driveway:

Bugatti Veyron

16 Today’s BoomeR

Fabulous

After 50! As award season in

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see our winners of

celebrities who are fabulous

after 50 years!

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BOOMER HEALTHY EATING:

Well, the why bother part is because what you make at home will always, with a bit of practice and patience, be far superior to anything store bought. As for the cheaper part, I seriously doubt it, given that you can use very inexpensive cuts of meat, and the processing cost comes from your hands, not your pocket. House made provides you the luxury of not only choosing the cut and origin of meat to use, but customizing your spice/pickling/corning blend. This means that, within reason, you can control not only the amount but the kind of salt used, and furthermore avoid any other extraneous preservatives and junk that comes so often in processed meats. Just as we all have favorites for BBQ rubs, you'll develop a similar hankering for your own special spice

blends for corning. It’s also a lean and relatively healthy cut of meat, so you can eat guilt free, too. We hear a lot of questions regarding the term 'corned'; it came into common use in the 16th Century and stems from the Anglo-Saxon word for grain or granule, referring to the salt used to cure

or pickle. It's a bit of a stretch, I know, but suffice it to say that 'corn' was a catch-all term

for any local grain, and in a pinch, salt would qualify, (Sorry, couldn't resist...) The next most common question we hear is 'What's the difference between corned beef and Pastrami?' The answer is, not as much as you might think. It has to do with the most common cuts used and the curing process. While either variety can be made with brisket or round, pastrami is sometimes made from the plate cut as well. As for process, either can be made by wet brining, though pastrami is fairly often done with a dry rub in the first stage of curing, then pepper crusted and lightly smoked. These are generalizations, of course; the end product varies as widely as the fancy of the makers.

As I mentioned, I grew up in Massachusetts, so I am very fond of New England Boiled Dinner, that ethereal combination of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots, daubed liberally with fresh horseradish. If you've never tried it, you should. I also absolutely adore the Reuben sandwich, which, as blasphemous as it may sound, I make with either corned beef or pastrami. If you get interested in the art of meat curing, AKA charcuterie, you'll find a myriad of resources online and if you'd like a great reference volume to add to your cookbook library, http://www.amazon.com/Charcuterie-Craft-Salting-Smoking-Curing/.

So, all fact checking and history aside, how do you make this stuff? We'll focus on corned beef this time and save pastrami for another day.

Recipes and Photos from

Chef Eben Atwater

www.urbanmonique.com

Being from New England, I love house made corned beef and pastrami, fine examples of easy to make and highly satisfying home charcuterie. I was somewhat dumbfounded when a reader noted "Why bother? It's cheap to buy at the store?"

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Put the meat into a pan just big enough to hold the cut. Cover with water to about 2" above the meat. Add another tablespoon of your pickling spices to the pot, bring the heat up to high until you reach a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork tender, about 2 to 3 hours. Remove the meat from the pot, set on a cutting board and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Your finished product will last a good 5 to 7 days in the fridge, (As if it'll survive that long...) Time to enjoy that New England Boiled Dinner! This version is mostly steamed, which keeps a bit more of the good stuff intact and provides better flavor all around. For two, you’ll need: 1 pound Corned Beef 1 small head Cabbage, outside leaves removed 4 Carrots, peeled 4 small red or white Potatoes 1 sweet Onion Take potatoes, carrots and cabbage and zap ‘em for three minutes in your microwave. Add a couple of inches of clean water to the bottom of a large stock or soup pot. Toss in a couple bay leaves, a few pepper berries, a couple of juniper berries, an inch or so of fresh Rosemary, (Dried is fine, ¼ teaspoon), and a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Place everything in the pot with a steamer basket or other spacer such that you’ve got a good three inches between the goods and the bottom of your pot. Sprinkle a pinch of good sea salt and a few twists of pepper over the goodies. Steam over medium-high heat until the cabbage and veggies are fork tender. Transfer to plates, serve with horseradish, fresh lemon wedges, good salt and pepper, some fresh bread and a nice dry white wine.

You'll need a brine solution and a spice blend. If any or all of this seems overwhelming, go the easy route and grab a pre-blended pickling spice from one of the suppliers listed in our links; down the line, for all things pickling, you can and should do a bit of study and build your own signature blend.

The recipes here will work for a 2 to 3 pound corned beef; you can scale up or down as you like, but this is a very manageable starter size.

For the Brine: 1/2 Gallon nice, clean water 1 Cup Sea Salt, (Do not use iodized!) 1/4 Cup Dark Brown Sugar 3 teaspoons Curing Salt (AKA Pink Salt, or sodium nitrite) 2 Tablespoons Pickling Spice Set water in a saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Toss in salt, sugar, curing salt and spices and boil until all granules are dissolved. Remove from heat, transfer to a mixing bowl and set over an ice bath for a rapid cool. Once the brine has cooled to room temperature, place your meat in a glass container big enough to have it covered by at least an inch or two of brine. If you just don't have a suitable container, you can use a doubled large zip lock bag. Cover the meat with brine as noted above, at least an inch or two above the meat. If your cut tries to float, you'll need to weigh it down so it remains completely submerged. If you go the Ziplock route, squish all the air out and put the bags in a pan in case of a blowout. Put your bounty into the fridge where it will live for the next 6 or 7 days. Make a note to self to flip the meat daily, to make sure eve-rything gets a nice, even brine soaking. On the appointed day, pull your corned meat out of the fridge, and rinse it gently in very cold water.

Eben Atwater is a Chef and writer who began cooking professionally in the 1970’s in Washington State and Idaho. In addition

to a food blog he publishes with his wife and partner-in-crime Monica, Eben is an accomplished musician and instrument

maker. He lives in western Washington State where he manages a bakery-café. Visit www.urbanmonique.com

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