Do you feel that the government’s cash for clunkers program a success? Many people have speculated their thoughts on the success and failure of the governments efforts in jump starting the auto industry. Nearly 1000 Laid-Off GM workers were called back to the production lines as many people took advantage of the government’s $3500/$4500 in rebates given towards the purchase of a new car in the event of a clunker trade-in.  On the flip side, dealers are to eat the rebate costs until the government pays them back.

Larger dealerships may reap the benefits of this program, creating a large influx of new car sales and sitting on a mountain of deemed junkers valued between $3500 to $4500 a piece! Multiply that by 50 or even 200 cars and you have a large amount owed to each dealership! What about the smaller dealerships? Smaller dealerships may feel the wrath with the possibility of pushing them into bankruptcy, especially if the government doesn’t pay on time. Over $3 billion dollars has been put into this program. Whats next?

Used car dealerships are watching their potential inventory being gutted and charities have seen a 12% decrease in donations, according to The Atlantic Business Journal. Are we robbing Peter to pay Paul? Some speculate, Yes; which will bring the economy in a downward spiral. Is destroying working capital in used cars to generate jobs worth it the effort? It is too soon to say. but only the future will tell.

Many people love to gamble and play the lottery.  The thought of winning the powerball for millions is a great thing.  Imagine what you would do it you hit the big one.  I have heard it is easier to be struck by lighting than with the powerball but who knows.  A friend of mine is a big time gambler and has not ever hit anything big but really all it takes is one ticket to win.  It seems like most of the time the big winners are ones who never play or very seldom play.  Maybe they buy one $1 ticket and hit it.  Who knows but wouldn’t it be nice to hit the big one imagine what you would do with all of that money.

Most people would quite there day job and retire.  I am not sure what I would do but would take it easier than I currently do now.  I love to work but would find other things we could do rather than work hard all the time.  First we have to hit the big one then we can figure out what to do with all that money.  I talked to a friend of mine he said he would continue to work and buy himself a new car and do the same for his wife.  What would you do if you hit the big one?

This weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited to “tryouts” for a team not most would really ever consider, being a Sheriff Deputy.  Like any job, there is a hiring process you have to go through and hurdles you have to jump to be considered as a Sheriff Deputy Candidate.  About six months ago, I had submitted my application for the Reserve Deputy Sheriff.  It wasn’t until last week, when I received a letter in the mail inviting me to the physical abilities test and exam.

Excited about the opportunity and nervous at the same time.  It has been awhile since I have done any sort of structured workouts and wasn’t sure that I was ready enough to attend. As time approached I ended up pushing myself to testing site.  Upon arrival, I noticed the massive amounts of people who wanted to tryout for this once in a lifetime opportunity.  After orientation I found out the details of what was expected of me to pass and move onto the next step, which is the exam. I knew if I didn’t pass this, I would not be going on the the exam session. In the next hour I needed to show that I can do:

A) 1 1/2 mile run (16:32 or less)

B) 29 Sit ups (60 Seconds)

C) 25 Push ups (No Time Limit)

D) Vertical Jump (14inches)

C) 300m sprint (60 seconds)

In theory, it looks and usually is pretty simple especially for those who workout on a daily basis.  I ended passing all of the different components to this test.  One thing I can say, I will start working out on a daily basis.  I can definitely feel the affects this week and boy I’m sore. Overall I’m glad I had the opportunity to pass this first of many hurdles.

It is important to keep to have a structured workout to keep your body at its best. Your muscles are like rubber bands and if you don’t involve yourself in physical activity, your muscles will become tight. So the next time you use them, it will feel sore like mine did at the test.  It is important to perform at least 20mins of physical activity a day, weather is would be a light walk or a vigorous run. Check out Men’s Health Online, they have many different workout routines and information catered to you.