OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

SPORTS HEADLINE-RAYS & PHILLIES SET TO FACE OFF IN 2008 WORLD SERIES
With the elimination of the defending champion Boston Red Sox in Game 7 of the ALCS, the Tampa Rays clinched their first ever World Series appearance where they will face the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are making their first World Series appearance since 1993 and seeking their first win since 1980. Regardless of which team wins, a large segment of their fan base will be experiencing championship glory for the first time.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT-
There is just something refreshing about experiencing new things. New places to travel, new foods to experiment with, new sights and sounds to tantalize the senses. We tend to fall into and languish in comfortable routines, expecting the expected and not challenging ourselves to seek adventures outside our comfort zone. But that's where life truly is exciting, when you do things that are beyond what you'd normally do or what you're customarily comfortable doing. By expanding your horizons and putting yourself in positions to experience all that is out there, your life will be enriched in ways that are unimaginable.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT-
Do you remember dos based computers? How about mobile phones the size of a house phone? Maybe you recall facsimile machines (before they were called just 'fax') with the roll of shiny paper? These were all inventions that were hailed as revolutionary at the time they burst onto the scene. Businesses that were early to adopt these new technologies stayed ahead of their competitors and were on the cutting edge of their industries. But the times quickly caught up and now all of those technologies have been replaced with faster, more efficient and more effective models. Staying current is a good way to get behind in the business world. You have to anticipate, stay ahead of the trends and be a leader in your industry to remain victorious in your field.

PERSONAL FINANCES-
If you have paid ANY attention to the news the past 3 weeks you're aware of what's been going on with Wall Street and the banking industry. What that tells me is that we all should be thinking of new places to save and invest. One of the best areas to have a savings account is an online savings bank. These banks usually have higher interest yields on savings, money markets and Cd's (certificates of deposit) than traditional brick and mortar banks. Having an open mind to new ideas is a good way to ensure you are able to stay ahead of the game.

GAME PLAN-
There's nothing wrong with something being 'old reliable'. The reason it's called that is because you know what to expect, you know what it will be and won't be and you can count on it. While not taking anything away from reliability, it's also vital for you to keep your spirit open to experiencing new things. There are wonderful sights, sounds, smells, tastes and adventures that we all bypass every day without giving them another thought or consideration. Embrace things that before you would shy away from or not even give a second thought. The rewards are bountiful.