Simplicity, dependability, strength and singularity of purpose were their calling cards. No one could confuse the purpose of these beasts. It was plain for all, and it was straight-line performance for one quarter of a mile. Nothing else mattered.

Contrast that with today and the lore of days past becomes even more apparent. A new Corvette will defeat even the most powerful Corvette of old in every category. The current generation of performance cars thumps the muscle car in safety, comfort, reliability and, yes, performance. But, that does not tell the whole story and it doesn?t explain the current interest in and corresponding sky rocketing values of classic muscle cars. The clarity of purpose these super cars exuberated just feels good. It awakens the cave man in each of us! These automobiles have a particular hold on the generation that came of age in the late 1960?s. Many feel that this is their last chance to re-live their youth and they are willing to pay for the opportunity.

For example, a 1970 Dodge Hemi ?Cuda sold for $4,035 new and well- preserved models are routinely offered and $150,000 today. That represents and 10.6% annual return. Not a bad return considering the stock market has returned 7.4% annual over the same period. Similarly, and 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS convertible with a 454ci engine sold for $4,200 new and to will cost around $115,000 or a 9.7% annual return. Finally, a 1969 Boss Mustang with a 429ci Engine originally cost $4,150 and today trades for $115,000. That is a 9.6% return over the same period.

Granted these are examples of the rarest and most sought after muscle cars. However, even ?common? muscle cars have experienced notable gains. The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner with a 440ci engine sold for $3,500 and today trades at $55,000. A 1967 Pontiac GTO cost $3,750 and now goes for $45,000. That?s a 6.8% compounded rate of return.

The investor in muscle cars must consider a few very important points. First, all investments have risks. This market, like real estate or technology stocks, could fall as fast as it has risen. Second, unlike stocks and money market investments, muscle cars do not pay dividends or interest. Indeed, they cost money to maintain, store and restore. Third, rarity matters. As the numbers above show, the rarest muscle cars have preformed the best. Finally, get a second opinion when considering a classic muscle car. Mechanics are a good choice and a mechanic that has actually restored a few cars is the best choice. Nothing beats experience.

Obviously, one of the most important variables to consider when considering muscle cars as an investment is the condition. Only the most original and accurately restored examples fetch these prices. More common versions or cars in lower conditions will sell for significantly less. For the collector that actually wants to drive their cars regularly these more common versions may actually be a better value.

The choice of a rare collector muscle car or a common daily driver depends on the budget and the purpose of the collector. Both offer unique benefits to the owner and much enjoyment. The chance to re-live our youth is always a pleasant experience.

Stress Management
Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
172a How do you deal with stress? Some people go for a long walk, while others take solace in talking over a stressful situation with friends. Stress is all around us and no matter how hard we try, there will always be stressful events that find their way into our lives. It's how we manage stress that determines whether it will be a minor nuisance or a major disorder. Here's what you need to know about stress and the management techniques you can use to tame it.

Why Do I Get Stressed?
The body is pre-wired to react to a stressful situation or event by preparing for danger. If you are about to be hit by a car, your body will gear up for action, and subconsciously prepare you to deal with the danger. Emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one, often results in the same physical response. Stress can build up if there is no outlet to alleviate it.

Stress Management Techniques and Lifestyle Changes

Stress interferes with the body's systems, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. Fresh air, and eating slow regular raw meals, and taking nutritional supplements can help to restore balance to your body. Here are some additional lifestyle changes that can help you manage stress:

Coping Skills: Relieving stress may be as simple as organizing your time differently, getting more sleep at night, or talking over your problems with a close friend or family member.

Dietary Changes: It can be so difficult to eat a healthy diet when your thoughts are consumed by a stressful situation. But eating foods that are good for you will actually help you stay focused, strong, and healthy through the stress. Unhealthy foods can add to digestive disorders, and sleep disturbances that can aggravate stress. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages that can cause jitteriness, and agitation, and contribute to the symptoms of stress.

Get Connected: Develop and strengthen your social network so that you will have people to turn to in times of stress. Simply talking about your problems can go a long way to reducing the stress they cause. You may also wish to consider joining a support group of your peers to help you manage stressful situations.

Take A Break: Sometimes, managing stress is as simple as learning to say no. As much as you would like to, its simply not possible for you to attend and assist with every event, project, and activity. If you are particularly stressed out, try to reduce your work or activity load a little bit, or even take a relaxing vacation, until the situation settles down.

Physical Activity

Physical exercises help to strengthen the body, relax the muscles and nervous system, integrate the mind and body, relieve muscle tension, and improve physical function.

Cardio Exercise: Physical exercise is a wonderful stress reliever, allowing you to divert your attention from your stress and strengthen your immune system. Walking, aerobics, swimming, biking, and weight training can all help to calm your body and alleviate stress.

Therapeutic Exercise: Yoga, Pilates, tai-chi, dance therapy, and other stretching based exercises are excellent ways to calm both the mind and the body. Yoga forces you to concentrate on your body and its abilities, leaving you energized, refreshed, and relaxed. Seek the help of a practitioner trained in therapeutic yoga to learn a series of postures, breathing skills, and relaxation techniques that can help you cope with stress.

Mind Powers and Supplements

Use your mind to help understand stress and its physical symptoms, and alleviate their effects on your body.

Mental Exercises: Meditation helps you to clear you mind of stress and promote relaxation. Other techniques that may also be useful include guided imagery, art therapy, enjoyment of music, and other mental exercises.

Relaxation Techniques: If you frequently become stressed, its important to learn relaxation techniques that can help you manage stress throughout the day. Practicing simple breathing exercises such as slow, diaphragmatic breathing and conscious muscle relaxation can help you clear your mind and calm your physical responses to stress. Alternate nostril breathing, is another technique that can be practiced regularly to cleanse and strengthen the body and calm the mind.

Herbs: There are many herbs that can be used to reduce stress and manage its symptoms. St John's Wort, chamomile, ginger, wild yam, ginseng, borage, licorice, milk thistle, and nettle have all been found to help in managing stress.

Aromatherapy: Don't underestimate the power of the nose in helping to manage stress. Certain scents can calm the body and relieve the tension and anxiety that is often associated with stress. Essential oils of lavender, chamomile, geranium, rose, neroli, sweet marjoram, and ylang-ylang are commonly recommended for stress relief. They can be used in massage, added to a bath, or inhaled through a vaporizer.

For more information on Dr. Group, stress, depression and anxiety please visit our website at http://www.stress-anxiety-depression.org.

About the Author

Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.

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