Jack Webb Schools Obama on Democracy!

Jack is back...and he's mad as hell...check this short vid out...WOW!

Obama in the Dragnet

I HEAR THE TRAIN A COMIN...

Well, the furor over the increase in train traffic and associated peace disturbance caused by train horns, both louder and more frequent continues to heat up.  The move to create quiet zone from the California border to the downtown train trench is picking up a lot of steam.  There is tremendous support from the public and private sector, with one exception, Union Pacific. As stated previously, I am in support of train transportation, as it is the most efficient method available.  The rail industry was the key contributor to the building of this country, especially out west.  As with any business with a conscience, being a good corporate citizen is a dual edge sword.  Recent comments by their 'community relations' person reflects their unwillingness to do their part.  They have increased their profits by being allowed to double stack containers (one atop another) at the expense at continued violation of a property owners right to quiet enjoyment.  Their response...not our problem.  I seen responses in the paper questioning why someone would buy a house near the tracks. I live nearly 2 miles away in a secluded community (Somersett), yet hear trains at 3:30 in the morning as if they are in my backyard.  I feel for my fellow citizens that live considerable closer.  I am not railing against UP.  Just asking the to do the right thing and be part of a solution.

The New Downsizing

Everything is shrinking at the grocery store expect for prices.  We've all noticed the downsizing going on in packaging (if  you haven't better let someone else do the shopping).  Ice cream, milk, oj, cereal, coffee; you name it, you get less for the same price or more.  The new half dozen is 5 (better count next time).

It's not false advertising.  It's just relying on the typical disconnected consumer not to notice.  Why doesn't that product go as far as it used to?  Look at the label.  We have recently been taught to focus on ingredients (anything with sugar in the top 3 should be left on the shelf).  Great marketing, distracts us from content.  Gee, just like political ads!

Now more than ever, vigilance is key.

Quality of Life Soon Outweighed by Lack of Opportunity

The jobless rate has risen over 20% since last year in our fair state, 30% above the national average.  This is overly conservative, as it does not take into consideration self employed and/or entrepreneurs that cannot collect benefits or are truly the working poor.  The service/entry work that is out there my son quips as JOBs, Just Over Broke.  I'd say vote for change, but we already did that.  The Benjamin's that used to be in my pocket are now just loose change.Our economic engine was traded in during the cash for clunkers. We're still waiting for the new model.  The quality of life that attracted us to the area can only hold us so far.  One by one, our friends are moving to better economic environments.  Professionals, the one's this state needs to keep.  Our eyes are open to opportunity out of the state, as it appears to be little but scenery to keep us here.  The barn door isn't open...the barn is in foreclosure.  We love living in here...give us a reason to stay!

No Phone Zone

There are not a lot of reasons to follow in California's footsteps.  Here's one:  Talking while driving ban.  As we continue to take driving as a right not a privilege, I think it's time to mandate a little common sense.  It's a make sense motor vehicle law, right up there with seat belts.  It is moving up on the most dangerous influence to drive under list, quickly.  You've seen them, been cut off by or nearly run into by them.  Needless to say, I was less than surprised watching someone texting while driving in the fast lane (or what used to be, now the entitlement lane).  It's election season...anyone want to move this into a bill?  I ready to help craft it!

Same Clowns, Different Circus

Foreclosures continue to set all time highs.  What isn't reported nearly enough is the associated meteoric rise in mortgage fraud, perpetrated primarily by the same ilk that fed the hungry buying public bogus mortgage programs a few years back.  Now it's under the guise of assisting in short-selling your home, fake assistance programs and stolen identity.  Realtors, mortgage companies, title companies all have their rotten eggs and desperate sellers are easy pickings.  The silver lining is you have legitimate choices.  Make sure you ask A LOT of questions, check the backgrounds of who you are dealing and work with seasoned, verifiable professionals.  If you are a seller, you are not alone.  Don't feel like you are.  Work with people you know and trust.  It's not easy, there's no bailout money for you.  Work through it, get it in the pass and start anew.  Buyers, don't expect miracles or overnight closes, even if you're paying cash.  The government-forced taxpayer bailout of banks (even one's that didn't need it) were paid handsomely for toxic mortgage debt.  They are in no hurry to liquidate.  Bottom line...buyer AND Seller...BEWARE!

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

The flowers are blooming, the lawns are greening, and candidate signs are multiplying faster than the bunnies killing my grass. The bi-annual political infestation is in full swing.  As we enter the latest chapter of patronizing pandering, one should ask themselves, is this freedom OF or FROM choice. The billboards, the yard signs, idiotic commercials, street walkers (anything for a vote) and the phone calls.   I teeter between apathy and anger over our current political state.  Our system is irreparably broken.  Our choices are between bad and worst.  Our voices, the few times we wake from our collective stupor to use them, are not heard.  I love our country and what it has stood for.  Our American Dream is being stolen one piece at a time, now in big chunks.  Change happens.  Are we to be catalysts or victims of it.  You decide.

Local Not Always Good

Ah, business must be booming for Scolari's, a local supermarket.  Good to see there is little competition in that market segment.

As my friends know, I BBQ all the time, even in 2 feet of snow.  We usually keep 3 propane tanks at the ready for the unforeseen outage (I've done that, on Thanksgiving!!!).  Last week, along with a regular shopping trip we decided to go this market with our 3 tanks as it had an automated Ameri-Gas propane kiosk instead of SaveMart (the great prices of Walmart without, well, dealing with Walmart).  After doing our shopping, we loaded up, swung around to the KIOSK, unloaded the 3 tanks, ran the card and...and...and...Nothing!  Not the first time.

Murphy's Law, everyone decided to check out at the same time I went back in.  25 minutes later, I got to the cashier, purchased 3 exchanges the old way and asked to speak to the manager.  After explaining what had just happened, this hapless wonk told me sorry, they don't take care of those machines and don't have anything to do with them.  WRONG ANSWER!.

As I profess to business people, if you are providing a service or selling a product, whether handled by a third party or not, it IS a direct reflection on your customer service and brand.  I was called by the store manager the other day, spewing the company platitudes and patronizing 'appreciation'. 

Glad to see the local grocer doing so well to afford such a flippant attitude...oh well...my bad!

The Voice That Rocked Vocalists for a Generation

Yesterday saw the passing of a true Rock Legend.  Ronnie James Dio passed away at the age of 67 after battling cancer.

The name Dio is synonymous with a era of rock that may never be matched, a voice that will never be duplicated. I had the good fortune of seeing him perform on his on and with Rainbow. As a musician and singer, I was in awe of his vocal range, better live than in the studio.

Ronnie James Dio left on impression on a multiple generations of musicians and music fans alike. He will always be with us. Thank you for sharing your gift...RIP!

A funny thing happened to a Honduran on the way to Mexico....

Mexicans here and in Mexico are rather upset by the recent enactment of stricter anti-illegal alien laws by Arizona's governor.

 

In light of the following, that position demonstrates the typical double standard used by race-hustlers and assorted something-for-nothings.  Read on, and read it to the end.

 

New Immigration Laws: Read to the bottom or you will miss the message... 1 There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2. All ballots will be in this nation's language. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 3. All government business will be conducted in our language. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 4. Non-residents will NOT have the right to vote no matter how long they are here. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 5. Non-citizens will NEVER be able to hold political office * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 6 Foreigners will not be a burden to the taxpayers. No welfare, no food stamps, no health care, or other government assistance programs. Any burden will be deported. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 7. Foreigners can invest in this country, but it must be an amount at least equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 8. If foreigners come here and buy land... options will be restricted. Certain parcels including waterfront property are reserved for citizens naturally born into this country. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 9.. Foreigners may have no protests; no demonstrations, no waving of a foreign flag, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our president or his policies. These will lead to deportation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 10. If you do come to this country illegally, you will be actively hunted &, when caught, sent to jail until your deportation can be arranged. All assets will be taken from you. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Too strict?...... The above laws are the current immigration laws of MEXICO !!! These sound fine to me, NOW, how can we get these laws to be America's immigration laws??

Going Back 3 Floods

When I first moved to Reno, I was told about the conservative nature of the locals.  As in times past, everyone not born here was considered a carpetbagger or city folk.  I was couched to answer, 'About 3 floods', if I was asked how long I'd been here, so as not suffer from the effects of xenophobia.  Having been born in the Bronx and then growing up in a small NJ town (population approx 11,000, same as in 1980), I now the comfort the rural womb.  Unlike that small town, Northern Nevada is a study in the dichotomy of old versus new.  The natives want things to stay rural and small town, part of the charm of living here.  Those that have moved here since the turn of the century see that quality of life, but realize we have to make some subtle changes to attract the people and businesses to migrate to a new economy.

The noise and eye pollution during election season brings to light the thread-bear protectionist campaigners.  Born and raised here, native Nevadan, 3rd generation.  That is not a selling point.  Hasn't been, shouldn't be.  What that should tell the layperson is that the individual may have little or no experience outside the womb.  It also tells me that the current way things work is dysfunctional at best, so being from here and being OK with that is not in my best interest.  

I need fresh, new ideas and tenacity.  Our 2 party political system is broken, probably beyond repair.  What worked a couple centuries ago, no longer functions.  The lunatics are truly running the asylum.  As citizens it is our right and responsibility to cause change, as those same patriots of the 18th Century did.  As a collective, we are duped into relying on the soundbites and ads.  We work ourselves up for the primaries and general elections, cast our votes, than fall back in to a stupor for another 2 years. We complain, yet do nothing about it.  That is what is expected of us as the public mass and we never disappoint!

Well, off to get my waders, there's a storm coming.

Brown-Out in London

Not to put too fine a point on it, but Parliament has been without real power for decades...

anyone see a flashlight?

A Lesson on Exchange

While at the Reno Aces game the other day, the sound effects guy queued up the sound of a chicken clucking. A spectator quipped that Sue Lowden must be in the house. Another fine example of the parrotting of the ill-informed.  Let it go already.

A little history on bartering for the less educated, sound bite crowd.  The exchange of goods and services has been around thousands of years longer than what you use today, paper money, the subjective value of which can be rendered useless at any time.  Barter is still in use today by may cultures, even our own, even in Reno.  Paper money, not so long ago, was also tied to a tangible asset.  Anyone remember the term silver certificate printed on our very own bills?

As our government continues to print money, it destabilizes it's worth and our credit on the global scene.  As our debt rises, counties heavily invested in our debt will seek better returns and may possibly seek to abandon the dollar as the currency standard all together.  If this increasingly plausible scenario plays out, what left you have of that retirement fund  you may want to use to keep yourself warm.  You may want to take inventory of what you have to trade for food and shelter.

For the sake of facts, comment on context and content, not on sound bites.

Big Business gets the Engine, Small Business the Shaft

Here are the latest figures from the Congressional Budget Office:

$50B to General Motors

$185B to AIG

$XXXB to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae

$2.8T committed to the likes of AIG, BofA, CitiGroup

$3.6T committed to Money Market Funds and TARP

Small Business: $30B Total.  Do the Math.

The funding and finance window for gig business continues to be wide open, to the tune of over $10 TRILLION.   According to the SBA, the 27 million small businesses account for half of our GNP.  HALF.  That works out to roughly .06% of what big business is getting to support the backbone of the economy. 

It's time for voters to wake up and act.  Forget the sound bites, educate yourself  Voting is a right...don't waste it.  If the system continues to fail, it may be time for a major change.

Is our tourism sign down?

I find it odd that the Director at Nevada Commission on Tourism is not interested in networking on Linked In.  Why is he there in the first place.  And then not to use a viable social platform to, say, maybe, reach out to potential markets?  It's like our economic development team not looking to develop our economic base (oh, wait, I'll have to get back to you on that!).

Ah, the irony of it all!

Catalyst or Victim...Time for Nevada to Choose

Casinos in Nevada continue to be a bad bet.  Not only are they taking a beating from the financial depression we are in the middle of as we bounce along the bottom as well as the continued proliferation of online and Indian gaming, the IRS continues to put a squeeze on winnings while making it harder to write off losses.  

I am not a gambler, though I do have money in the nation's largest combined gambling den/brothel (Wall Street).  Nevada leaders need to wake up and make the investment necessary to move our state forward in the business world. 

Economies and their dynamics change.  Our state can either be a champion or victim of it. I love the quality of life that Northern Nevada affords us.  What can we do to create the same quality for next-generation employers and employees?

Friendships that endure the test of time

I joined my wife on a business trip back to Manhattan last week, the city of my birth. I am a very proud New Yorker, feel it is truly the most cosmopolitan and accepting city on the planet. Ellis Island set this tone over a century ago, for the entire metropolitan area. The true highlight was reconnecting with college friends, and I do mean friends a bond that endures the test of time.

To this end, I went to college at a small liberal arts school in Northern New Jersey, William Paterson College (now William Paterson University). I can say, without reservation, the best formative years of my early life. The single biggest reason as I look back are the friends I made during that time. I have had thousands of acquaintances over the years, but very few true friends.

Out of the group, I was the one that made the sojourn west, was not good at keeping in contact as life happened and I lost touch. Let's think about that...losing touch. It's far more than not being in conscious contact...I lost touch with values that I learned being around my friends. The value of relationships, camaraderie, kinship. I reached out a few times over the years and reconnected on trips back east, just not often enough. True, social networks have made it easier to find people again...it did for me.

The point is, after decades of being apart, I was welcomed in their homes and lives as if only a day had passed. Though I may not have expressed it our shown it in my absence, I have a true, unconditional love for my college friends and always have. That feeling was never more solidified when we hugged and talked about our lives together and since. I have a new found commitment to continue our bond, along with a rekindled energy missing since that time in my life.

True friendships endure the test of time, give us the passion for life and a validation that we matter.

To my friends...my love

Something Has To Give!

 After watching yet another infuriating piece on the banking industry continuing to fight homeowners trying to save their homes by modifying their loans through modifications, I have to ask, what IS the right thing to do.  Hundreds of billions of dollars went to bail out these dysfunctional institutions, yet they are unwilling to use our money to right the wrongs they played a major part in.  Where is the justification of not working with a current owner to reduce their principal balance to the market (as they so readily did with their securities (in the other direction))?  They instead find it more prudent to sell below that amount through foreclosure.

I am not one of those that used my home for an ATM machine.  We bought our home at the right time, watched the equity rise nearly 80% than fall to 70% of what we originally paid..  Should we, like so many others, stop making payments to get the bank’s attention?  Should we ALL stop making payments to get the financial system’s attention?  Government continues to talk of assistance, but only increases their assault on our privacy, rights and our constitution.  Enough already.  Something has to give

It's Good to be Home!

 

           OR

        

 After recently returning from visiting family in LA, all the reasons I live here and not there came rushing at me the moment we got off the plane and started driving from Burbank Airport to Granada Hills.

My Aunt and Uncle have lived in their house here since moving from the Bronx in 1953.  As we live in a very mobile society, they come from a time that people very rarely left their neighborhoods.  Granada Hills back then was out the northern limit of LA County, surrounded by orange groves with few homes (they moved in to the new development in town).  Granada Hills has some famous sons:  John Elway (the other slow white Bronco, not the one in the police chase in the 90's) and Cheech Marin (just back on tour with Tommy Chong, fresh out of the pen!).

Don't get me wrong, I love my family.  It was great to see all the cousins and knock around for a few days (we have a 4 day rule for visiting and visitors, as well).  It's just the in-your-face reminder of what SoCal has become.  I always quip that California would be great if it weren't for the people (SoCal, actually).  After living in Scottsdale for over a decade the moving to the beauty of the Sierra Foothills on the outskirts of Reno (Phoenix/Scottsdale became all that is wrong with SoCal), it gives you perspective: Quality of Life vs. Lifestyle, What you have vs. what you want, Living vs. Existing.

We have a lot to be thankful for living where we do.

It's good to be home!

The Night Sky Is Brighter, Our Hearts Heavier

Though I have had my share of losses, both family and friends, what to say and how to feel is never easy.  Mourning is for the living, a way of getting through the emptiness left.  The impact, no matter how jaded or strong one is, powerful and painful.

Our best efforts are to live our lives as courageously and strong as we can, appreciate every day, every morning, every night sky.

It is one of only a few moments that makes us really focus on what is truly important.  Sheryl Crow wrote, "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have".  In it's most simplest form, that is happiness.

Jen and I were fortunate to have Michele Cervantes in our lives, though for a brief few years.  Our time here is fuller because of both Michele and Ken in our lives.  Let us all carry on in Michele's memory, always a warm smile, absent of judgment or malice.

May you guide us in our path towards the example you set.

It Certainly Is a Tragedy

I just received a flier on my door from a 'neighbor' in regards to supporting the relief cause in Haiti.  It certainly is a tragedy.

Picture this scenario: The largest natural disaster in the country's history, thousands dead, 100's of thousands homeless, no running water, no services homes left in ruins, families broken up, crime way up.  As far as public safety and health care, hospitals are boarded up, police leave their job and run off (if not participate in the looting) medical care is scarce and supplies are even scarcer.  

It certainly is a tragedy.

What I have described above and the associated pictures are not of Haiti.  They are of the gulf coast post-Katrina.  After 5 years, much of the lower ward areas look like it just happened yesterday.  This continues to be a national embarrassment that garners little coverage.  We, as a nation, have the attention span of a gnat.

I am not a protectionist, I do not support the GM-sponsored Toyota inquiries.  I am, however, a proud American citizen.  I implore those looking to donate their time and/or money to do so by finishing what, once again, DC has failed miserably at: finish what we started in the gulf states.  our country and fellow citizens deserve better.

My prayers to those suffering in Haiti.  Godspeed in your recovery.

Always an Angel to Me!

The greatest loss last year of us young men growing up in the '70's was the passing of an angel, Farah Fawcett.  Once I set eyes on her wholesome beauty, I knew I was over Marcia Brady.  Like my first big crush in high school (seems so latent these days!), with Linda Highsmith,  Farah was not only sensuality, but had the appeal of approachability and a smile that set you at ease (I was so smitten by Linda, I had her join our band as a trumpet player (of all things!).

So many of us had that famous poster on our bedroom walls.  At that age, made it tough to get to sleep, but, waking up, to be greeted by an angel.  Oh, the simplicity of our youth!  Still had trouble getting to school on time (it was literally down the block).

This year, not surprisingly, Farah was snubbed by the academy during their trite yearly eulogy ritual. Her post-angel body of work was notable, especially her portrayal of a battered wife in, The Burning Bed.  The hollowwood circle jerk academy's conspicuous omission of Farah only furthers their irrelevance and pettiness.  The idiocy of the event makes great fodder for satirists and cartoonists, so there is some redeeming value!

Alas, we have lost an angel, but the night sky is a little brighter now.  Sweet Dreams, Farah!

While You Were Sleeping.........

As reported in the RNR of 3/11/10:

With little fanfare or attention, President Obama signed a reauthorization of the PATRIOT Act on Feb. 2. The Democratic Congress approved the three sections of the previous law without any limits or protections for citizens that civil libertarians had called necessary. The 2008 Democratic national platform read, “Our Constitution is not a nuisance. It is the foundation of our democracy. … As we combat terrorism, we must not sacrifice the American values we are fighting to protect. … We will revisit the Patriot Act and overturn unconstitutional executive decisions issued during the past eight years.”

A measure introduced by U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy contained protections for the public, but Democrats responded to Republican opposition that might block the Senate leadership’s 60 vote threshold for passage, so Democrats caved in and stripped those provisions from the bill.

I hope the continued shredding of nation's constitution upsets your constitution as much as it does mine.

Tea, anyone?!

Shaken AND Stirred

Well, it's been 2 years since the swarm hit our Northern Nevada community and it still causes pause every time a tractor trailer rolls past. The unsettling increase in catastrophic natural disasters, all emanating from high magnitude earthquakes, puts into perspective what can really happen.

UNR has one of the top seismology labs in the country, yet, as with any earth science, the best we can do is be prepared. We may laugh at the often inaccurate weatherperson, but they're batting average is off the charts compared to seismology. Bottom line, the earth we live on is unpredictable. It is an ecosystem, and as such, disturbances in one system may create effects in others. The butterfly effect, if you will.

As an avid reader, my selections run the gamut (just see my booklist on linkedin). A book I recommend on the subject is called The Survivors Club: the secrets and science that could save your life, by Ben Sherwood. An interesting read with survival tips based on real-life experience.

We, as individuals, must keep ourselves vigilant, keep ourselves prepared. I'm no chicken little, but I am an Eagle Scout. Our motto: Be Prepared.

Those Are Not Senior Moments

In our continuing struggle to grasp all the information that is forced on us every day, it is only natural to go into overload. What was once thought of as a 'senior moment' is happening to every age group. Don't despair.

Our minds are no different, from a storage standpoint, than that computer you are reading this with. You have a limited amount of storage. If you max it out, you have to get rid of something. The first memories to go in this instance are short term. Not a memory problem, just too much information!

As with any exercise in organization, we must train ourselves to keep only what we truly need. Just like the age old axiom, 'everything in moderation', what we feed our mind is no different than what we feed our bellies.

Here's one tip: review everything you subscribe to, print, online, etc. Start parring down what is truly essential and cancel what is not.

Just REMEMBER, too much of a good thing no longer is!

A solution to Northern Nevada's long term economic ills

The growing perception is that our economic development engines continue to sputter. There seems to be more concern with self preservation than pursuing their charter. Having personally been involved with attempts to keep companies here, our state’s reputation for being business friendly has been eroding. That has to be stopped in it’s tracks, especially here in Northern Nevada.

Here is the quandary. Nevada is a service-based economy. We have relied on the growth of the gaming industry and, until recently, the run away appreciation in the real estate market to keep the state and local coffer full. That ship has sailed (actually the former is taking on water and the latter has sunk). As with any business, you must be nimble and astute enough to change with the markets. In a fast paced global economy, change happens. You are either a catalyst or a victim. We have our work cut out as we continue to fall victim. There is a solution.

Not to be confused with the rhetorical propaganda of the administration, Nevada, both public and private sectors, need to embrace change. In order for us to attract the businesses and, as important, the employees, we, as a state, should not separate the two. Let me explain.

The biggest challenge our state and local economic development groups face in wooing higher income companies to move here is the lack of suitable talent to fill the positions. This has been the tale as told in conversations with these groups (ones that actually return inquiries). Just from conversations and social networking, I know for there is plenty of talent here that has been displaced. The ‘employment’ companies seem to be aware, but do not seem to be proactive. A tale for another time.

Equally challenging is the recently minted talent that cannot find acceptable employment here. A simple poll of seniors and post-graduate students at UNR highlights the exodus do to lack of opportunity.

A suggestion: a package deal. Why can’t we create a mechanism that not only entices the company but their employees, as well. It’s not a new idea. Companies relocate facilities and jobs all the time. We just lost a top computer manufacturer to it’s home state that offered jobs to their key players interested in moving with the company. It is certainly way more attractive today than it was just 2 years ago.

The excuse I kept hearing was our real estate impacted the overall cost of living here. No longer the case. Though the tide may be beginning to change, prices are where they should be for the our market.

Another challenge was cost of construction or lease cost on commercial property. Well, we are on the front end of that freefall. As with every previous real estate cycle, the crest and trough effect is in play here (though considerably more epic this time). When residential has been on the rise, commercial (market dependant) was on the downside and visa versa. There will be more and more commercial on the market, as that market’s turn in the default and foreclosure seat is just starting to surface. Notes are due, vacancies are up. Tough times ahead.

With all this against us, there is great opportunity. There are businesses and individuals that saw the future and kept their powder dry (didn’t drink the Kool-aid!). That brings us back to why live and do business in Northern Nevada. That is rhetorical. We all know why we live here. Intangibles aside (the business climate and tax reasons), by far it is the quality of life and the beauty of our environment.

It is time for us to bring our game up and create relocation packages that attract companies and their employees to this once again most favorable environment.

Want to cure the budget deficit? Want to absorb some commercial space? Fill some vacant homes? Stop the failure of small businesses and stem the unemployment tide? Start bringing in the businesses AND their people.

It’s time for economic development, guerilla marketing style. The gloves have to come off, it’s time to be aggressive. There is an opportunity for both the public and private sector to make this happen. Time for egos, self-preservation and protectionism to move aside. Do or do not. There is no try.

I’m ready. Are you?

Junk Mail Revenge

The market is bound to turn around. When it does, be prepared for the next onslaught of credit card junk mail. Here's a little secret that might piss off credit card companies and potentially get them to stop harassing you with upwards of 20 credit card applications per week. Some people have known this for years, and since a fair amount of people will read this I feel that it's my duty and obligation to share this secret with you, because based on the email I've received, I don't always get the sharpest tools in the shed reading my site (as opposed to the regular tools who read this site). For the slow: I'm saying that you're stupid and wouldn't come up with this idea on your own; pay attention.

There are two types of junk mail that everyone gets: coupons for stupid bullshit that you don't want, and credit card applications for credit to buy stupid bullshit that you don't need. Here's how to take care of all your junk mail in one fell swoop: use the postage-paid envelope that credit card companies send you with their applications to send them the OTHER junk mail you receive. It's just that simple. Imagine the frustration of credit card companies when they have to spend millions of dollars every year on first-class postage just to open up an envelope and find Pizza Hut coupons inside. The envelopes are intended to be used for "BUSINESS REPLY MAIL," and so use them for their intended purpose. You're sending them valuable money-saving coupons which could mean big savings to credit card companies, and it makes good business sense to use them. Consider it a reply to their business proposition with a business proposition of your own: 35 cents off a large, one-topping pizza. In fact, they should be thanking you for giving them these money-saving opportunities. Or how about sending them credit card applications from other credit card companies? Be creative.

How Curling Started

Just imagine, you're hanging out with your drinking buddies at home, you're snowed in and can't find your ice fishing gear. Grab the rest of the beer, the tea pot and the broom from the closet. You're so blind from drinking a puck would be too small to see. That's where the kettle comes in. You take a few whacks at it, keep missing (plus, you need the broom to hold you up. Instead, you set up your empties down the way and use the kettle as a bowling ball. The snow keeps getting in the way, so you have another one of your pickled buddies sweep the lane so the kettle can make it down the end (which you can't see anyway. Now what...all the bottles are broken. Go back to the house, grab a fifth of whatever is in the cupboard. No more bottles, no worries. Make a circle and try to get as close as you can. Now, let's invite our friends from the next pond and make it a team event.

That's how curling started. Gotta go, the log rolling finals are starting!

Show me the Talent

In a discussion over dinner the other night with friends at our home, the subject of where our business came from surfaced. Not to our surprise, each of us, save some small contracts here in Northern Nevada, did all of our business outside the state.

Our businesses are business law (acquisition & transition), management consulting, human capital development and marketing/channel development. An "Aha' moment to say the least. This lead to the same conversation I have been having for years here. Without the talent we cannot attract the companies. Without the companies talent will not stay here (unless, like our group,we can work where ever we choose).

UNR grads cannot afford to stay here, as there are no jobs, not to mention career paths (remember those!). We have an overabundance of educated people, but no place to put them. Trying to communicate with those in charge of attracting businesses continues to be an 'head against the wall' exercise. Small business continues to be the backbone, but that segment gets little support (but lots of sound bites).

I love living here in Northern Nevada. It truly is a great place with an incredible quality of life. We just need true leadership to find this talent a home.

LaHood Wink

Toyota is having some safety issues with some of their cars. They are in the middle of a massive recall to take care of the problem. Recalls are an infrequent occurrence. As complex as cars, I’m amazed there aren’t more (I’ve had 1 in the past decade over 4 vehicles (still own them all). Alas, problems do occur, and are handled by the private company.

Why this recall is different leaves me flabbergasted and enraged over another example of the government overstepping its purview. The government has launched an inquiry and called Toyota executives to DC. When was the last time a private company handling a product defect was called to the federal carpet like this? Our transportation secretary Ray LaHood told people to stop driving their Toyotas (later retracted…who vets these people?). Anyone smell protectionism?

The Government owns 60% of GM. They (our tax dollars) bailed out both GM and Chrysler, then horse traded a portion of that to the unions (big supporters of the current administration).

The continued expansion of government is an insult to its citizenry and founding fathers. Free enterprise is running for its life. It goes, so does our way of life!

Unemployment is tearing at our social fabric

As the national unemployment rate heads towards 13% with Nevada edging towards 15% (the published numbers are woefully understated and misrepresent the true ‘employment’ picture), job seekers face a monumental task in search of the few jobs that are out there. To make matters worse, unemployment is not for everyone. In speaking with a representative from Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation, many people, who are earnestly looking for work, have been collecting for nearly 2 years with no prospects in sight. These people are nearing the end of their benefits and potentially their rope.

On top of those ‘lucky’ enough to collect benefits, are the uncounted 100 of thousands of individuals that were self-employed and are not eligible for benefits. To add insult to injury, this growing number (based on the increase in failed businesses) goes uncounted in the unemployment figures. Top that off with small business owners that are better classified as the true working poor, operating at or less than break even. Getting the picture?

The logjam in DC has to be busted. Today’s leadership promises of money for jobs and to stimulate small businesses has amounted to more rhetoric. There are companies that are actually receiving money and still outsourcing jobs overseas. This is insanity and would drive anyone to question right and wrong. We keep hearing about being accountable. After reading Too Big To Fail and seeing the lid recently taken off campaign finance, I need to add to the list of oxymorons….Government Accountability.

Our elected officials are now desperate enough to enlist the rank and file for ideas to raise money and/or reduce costs. Here are a few ideas: 1)Get out of Iraq, 2) Get out of Afghanistan, 3) Reduce Homeland Security (Nepolitano did such a stellar job with the Arizona border) and, last but not least, 4) QUIT REWARDING NEGLIGENT BEHAVIOR!.

HR – The Black Hole of the Job Market

Giant shrimp, military intelligence, Senate Ethics Committee, Human Resources. Yes, all oxymorons (not to be confused with Rush Limbaugh, a moron on Oxy!).

10’s of thousands of resumes flood the internet everyday. Software used by HR departments ‘filter’ the resumes that are sent in via on-line job postings, sometimes scrubbing valid candidates from ever being interviewed due to a missing key word or obscure search string. An HR ‘professional’ even admitted that upon receiving literally 1000s of resumes for a single position, grabs the top handful and cans the rest (it should surprise no one what can be learned at an industry conference happy hour!). To make matters even worse, few companies even acknowledge the effort of applying to them. How many people out there have ever applied for one or more positions and never hear whether the company even received your resume? I’m going out on a limb and say MOST! The larger companies are horrendous at communicating with those interested in joining them.

My vote is for bringing the ‘human’ back to human resources. We’re all in this together and chances are the shoe may switch foots for you or a family member one day.