Queen Elizabeth II, Monarch of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and her territories gave her Royal Assent to her country's acceptance of the Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday, July 16, 2008. This act effectively marked the end of her position as Sovereign over this once great, independent nation that ruled vast areas of Africa, Asia and Australasia.

In the realm of economics, as the United States goes, so goes the world. America has long been considered the economic engine that has driven global finance. However, that engine has been running on credit.

Have you been affected by escalating food prices? Are you worried how you will pay your bills and feed your family, if the price of basics like milk reach $10 a gallon, or if bread reaches $8 a loaf?

Have you ever been at the edge of a deep canyon, or the observation deck atop a tall skyscraper? Do you recall the sense of uneasiness you felt when you peered down into the abyss below?

Very few men and women are "self-made" individuals. We all have had the help of many people as we have traveled along life's road. Perhaps it was our parents, a friend or a teacher, who gave us the love, help and guidance we needed to become who we are today. Without these caring individuals, our lives would be markedly different. Many people may offer us their help. But how we react to their offers of aid can make all the difference between success and failure in our lives.