AS SUMMER WINDS down, back-to-school shopping is heating up.

We should pay less attention to the scare tactics about euthanasia used by opponents of health care reform than to the plain fact that the United States will commit fiscal suicide if nothing is done to rein in the cost of medical care. Accomplishing that task, which is much more important than giving everyone an insurance policy, will require radical remaking of the American health care system that will raise far more howls – and more deep-pocketed lobbying – than the current debate.

Q.: Every night, my husband “Scott” comes home talking about a co-worker who is driving him crazy. Most of our after-work conversations now center on his latest problem with “Rachel.” Rachel is related to the company president, who apparently can’t see her true nature.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP – Business is slow at Mark Nemetz’s West End Road used car lot. Could be the economy. Could be the season. More likely, he thinks, it’s the $3 billion federal “cash for clunkers” incentive program aimed at getting less fuel-efficient vehicles off the road. One side effect is that it’s also taking perfectly good vehicles out of commission. Some of those cars and trucks likely were destined one day for the tens of thousands of used car lots throughout the country.

NEW YORK — At one small company, the phone is ringing more often, while another is getting business again from retailers who canceled orders last year. And at an inn, reservations are coming in for the busy season.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Connecticut Sun fan Judy Vlcek doesn’t need tickets to get into the WNBA team’s games. And she can throw away the coupon book the team sent her.

WASHINGTON — As Congress agonizes over health care, an even more daunting and dangerous challenge is bearing down: how to shore up Social Security to keep it from burying the nation ever deeper in debt.

Martha M. Herron, regional community relations director for PPL Corp., was recently appointed chairman of a board which engages business, industry, education, and economic development and community organizations to identify workforce challenges and develop strategies and solutions to address those challenges. Herron has been a member of the board since its inception and was appointed vice chairman in March 2007. She is a member of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, CAN DO, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters, and is a past member of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association Workforce Development Committee.

LONG POND — “Go big or go home” isn’t just a mantra for athletes; the venues at which they perform sometimes take that philosophy to heart as well.

ENERGY POOL SEMINAR: Monday, 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. PPL Electric customers can learn about and sign up for a buying pool that may save money. Members of any chamber of commerce may participate. Bring your PPL electric bill. Reserve by calling 823-2101, ext. 113.