Congratulations, baby boomers: You are now officially all middle-aged. ItÕs a book of firsts: My first colonoscopy, my first reading glasses. A book of vital statistics, including married name(s), circumference of abdomen, cholesterol count (HDL and LDL), and home state (Red or Blue). ItÕs a place to keep track of primary care giversÑherbalist, psychopharmacologist. Record favorite expressionsÑIÕm having a senior moment. Dressing on the side, please. 60 is the new 50. Keep track of ÒWhat IÕve Grown,Ó from liver spots to knee flaps. ThereÕs also a place for a lock of hair (if you can spare it) along with the Seven Stages of Hair Loss (men: from minoxidil to shaves head; women: from plucks grey hairs to dyes it champagne blond). Plus essaysÑÒAm I Smiling or Is It Gas,Ó and ÒI Go to School,Ó a parody of Adult Ed classes.

Mimicking the popular format of baby books, a gently satirical celebration of middle age offers space to record Memorable Firsts--liver spot, conservative opinion--Primary Care givers--Manicurist, Hair Colorist--and other indications of the onset of mid-life.

Ever wonder what really happens that first year after you retire? I'm talking about the day-to-day emotions, feelings, projects, questions, anxieties... the ups and downs of this very important next step in one's life after some 25/30/35/40 years of formal work? Well, my "The Baby Boomers First-Hand/First-Year Guide to Retirement... 365 Days of Bliss (???!!!) or Diss (Not???!!!)" could provide some insight for those recently retired or contemplating retirement. This 365 day (from January 17, 2013 to January 17, 2014) daily journal allows the reader to follow along as I experience the chores, the life; the new budgeting, the wife the questions, the emotions; some answers and hopefully some solutions. "First-Hand" is an easy-to-read/fast page turner; a humorous collection of thoughts and stuff... it does not hit you over the head with heavy retirement questions regarding pensions or 401(k) requirements; or statistics such as inflation projections, investment facts, tax shelters, financial formulas, etc... My book is simply a personal essay of my first 365 days of retirement, featuring real names and real people. Included are personal pictures and anecdotes of my 2013 journey that sheds light on the everyday minutia of retired life. I self-published my first book "SQUARE SQUIRE & THE JOURNEY TO DREAMSTATE" in 2012. I have a completed children's short story collection "LongTALES for shortTAILS" currently being illustrated; and I have a young adult/short story collection "Word Food for Doods" ready for publishing. I am presently working on a novella about a jive/hipster dude cat called "Diddley Squatt."

Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's, Skissley is the oldest child in a Nebraska farm family of modest means. Her possessions are few, but she does possess two rare and priceless gifts: talent to write and remarkable insight. Combined with her keen observations of the people, events, and magnificent nature surrounding her, the results are a unique perspective of life in mid 20th century Middle America, which Skissley captures in the pages of her beloved diaries. But being only twelve as well as inherently honest, she regularly spills the beans on the family secrets. Then too, there is that notorious river town of Rulo nearby, with the majority of its population of hangers-on comprised of eccentric and unsavory misfits. Though these characters with their questionable lifestyles live but a stone's throw from Skissley, they are worlds apart from her. Yet few will escape her scrutiny or the veracity of her pen. While it seems that Skissley is merely divulging colorful tidbits of life within her sphere, it soon becomes obvious that she is really revealing the inner workings of her own soul, because she is in fact, a true Child of the Universe.

This encyclopedia defines and contextualizes the Baby Boomer generation and the wide-reaching contributions of its members throughout modern American history. Comprising some 80 million Americans born between 1946 and 1965, the Baby Boomers have significantly changed every aspect of American history and culture. The members of this generation experienced some of the most tumultuous times in American history; indeed, the Boomers helped create these pivotal eras. From the advent of rock and roll to disco and rap, from the sexual revolution to the arrival of AIDS, and from race riots to the election of a black president, Baby Boomers have seen it all. Through nearly 100 alphabetically arranged entries, this encyclopedia gives later generations insight into the contributions of the Baby Boomers, and it helps members of that generation better contextualize their own experiences. Included entries are written in a clear and engaging manner, covering politics and activism, entertainment, the economy, gender roles, arts, pop culture, sports, religion, drug and alcohol use, and many other subject areas.

In 2006, the first baby boomers turned 60, unleashing a veritable tidal wave of gloomy punditry, advertising for financial services, and forecasts of impending national bankruptcy. This work rejects such catastrophic predictions. It forecasts baby boomers' career plans, health trends, and cultural and political values.

Good Baby gets a banana for pudding and, this time, he eats it all up. Boom-biddy-boom-biddy-yum-yum-yum!