January 12th, 2010
Posted by Mark Clawson
The Move Your Money Movement got started over the dinner table with a few friends. Those present were wondering what they could do personally that would help limit the the power of the big banks while creating a more equitable and stable financial system.
Risk and greed have have always been present in in our society, however, ever since the Glass-Steagall act was repealed in 1999 the impact on our financial markets has been more broadly felt. The repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act allowed banks to get involved in the investment business. If your interested you can click here to find out how this all developed; not surprisingly you will find the money boys at their worst or best depending on your perspective.
Getting back to the Move Your Money Movement. The financier at the table recommended “that everyone could move their money out of the Wall Street banks and into community banks. Community banks are typically more conservative about how they manage their money, they’re more closely connected to the people and businesses who live near them, and they’re more inclined to make loans they know will get paid back. In other words, they have the values that more people would want banks to have.”
The filmmaker at the table reminded the others of the story told in the classic film It’s A Wonderful Life — a tale about a small banker, played by Jimmy Stewart, who almost gets crushed by a big banker. In the end, though, the community rallies around the small bank and helps save it. You can click on the above photo and view the short video; I guess greed will always be with us. The point is whether we can change things.
In America money talks, just ask our politicians.
I think that if we look long and hard at are political system; it would be hard to deny that things need to be changed. The question is always how? When people think about changing the system we think in terms of electing a new President. The problem is that the party that is shut out of office then begins its fight to get re-elected. They surely don’t want to help the new President look good and hurt their chances of taking back the Presidency. We did not elect these politicians to spend their time on getting re-elected; we expected them to do their jobs and to be the voice of their constituents.
This cartoon is symbolic of the situation we face; not a knock on any particular party. They are both at fault!
Sometimes I wonder who our elected officials really listen to. It seems as though they follow the money. They seem to respond more to the lobbyists and political action groups than their real constituents. Party loyalty becomes shameful when actions and policies that are for the good of the country are not truly debated in a manner that you would expect of statesmen.
Thinking term limits?
A Constitutional Amendment would be needed for term limits to be put into law and that would need a two thirds vote to pass; not very likely based on past experience.
The system has handcuffed the public’s ability to seek true change. There is another recourse laid out in Article V of the Constitution. Two thirds of the states could demand a constitutional convention for an amendment to limit terms. Some would say that there is some danger in this since it could lead to other changes in the Constitution.
The Move Your Money movement is a simple idea that doesn’t need a constitutional amendment to make it work.
Keith Olbermann has an overview of the movement in a video you can access by clicking on the photo below.
The Move Your Money Movement is a grassroots effort to shift the power in the financial system away from Wall Street and to Main Street. Wall Street has done nothing to warrant our trust; they need to earn it back. Maybe this movement will stir a new beginning; we need to bring this country back to its roots!
Washington Federal is one of the community banks that is listed on the Move Your Money website. You can go the the website and explore the other community banks or credit unions that are named. They have identified the banks and credit unions that have a sound financial base; those that were not involved in the practices that took down some of the biggest banks.
December 10th, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
I have moved back to the Pacific Northwest to be with family and friends for awhile. This is the small town of Langley which is located on Whidbey Island in the State of Washington. The population of Langley is about 1000; this is small town at it’s best!
Winter is here; today it was 18 degrees. I understand that it is cooling down in Las Vegas and snowing in Arizona and New Mexico.
Here is my new puppy Sam; a boxer, black lab and bulldog mix. I had to put down my last dog, Bailey, about a year ago and Sam is turning into a very good friend. Having a puppy is all about child proofing your home; I guess my memory is short since it’s not a lot of fun.
Here is a photo of the studio where I live.
This is the main building on the 8 acre site that my friend Ron Kasprisin has developed. He also has a small vineyard called Kasprisin Ridge which is very young; only 15 gallons of wine this year.
Ron is building another cottage that he plans on renting as an artist’s studio. I wrote a post on my new blog site that talks about Ron and his watercolor work. Click here for the link to the article and my new blog site. The link to the main blog, Whidbey Island Life, is here.
I have to tell you that I do miss Vegas. My blogs showed a side of the city that many people don’t really appreciate.
I have put together a slide show that gives you a better idea of what Whidbey Island is all about.
If you click here you can view it.
I plan on being back in Vegas in a year or so; wishing you all a Merry Christmas and great Holiday Season!
Mark
October 3rd, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
Las Vegas Community Events – Age of Chivalry – Sunset Park
Are you ready for a little chivalry? For the 16th year, a medieval kingdom will take over Sunset Park with lavishly costumed knights, knaves, fine ladies and wenches as CBS Radio, Miller Lite and Clark County Parks and Recreation present the annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival, Oct. 9-11.
At the 2007 event Christopher Biro’s Pirate’s Parrot Show was pretty astonishing. Biro is a well known advocate of bird free-flight and a highly regarded trainer. He has over seventy parrots in his menagrie many of which are rescue birds. I’m not sure if he is scheduled in this year?
Rough looking group.
This brings you back to the days of yore. The kids loved this stuff.
Several stages will feature entertainment with costumed performers presenting more than 50 shows per day along with historical re-enactments, jousting tournaments, medieval pageantry and more than 100 artisans – including blacksmiths, stained glass designers, jewelers, wood workers, toy makers, perfume blenders, stone carvers and sword, dagger and armor craftsman — to demonstrate and sell their wares. Authentic food, from fish and chips to an English feast, also will be available as well as beer and ales for adults with proper identification.
Concerts all weekend will feature local acts with nationally known acts as well as a royal parade with kings, queens, warriors and peasants, takes place on Saturday and Sunday. The festival offers full-contact jousting tournaments; no-holds-barred gladiator battles; black powder demonstrations, strolling minstrels, contortionists, magicians, storytellers, jokers, jugglers, flame eaters, belly dancers, trained parrots and pirates. Additional attractions include rides, bow and arrow and axe target games, medieval barber and surgeon demonstrations and Renaissance guilds.
Even a pirate ship.
For all that you need to know about the event you can click here.
September 30th, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
Team Earth is sending out an SOS to the world.
Rainforests are critical to our survival — they regulate rainfall, preserve biodiversity and store vast amounts of carbon.
So we’re working with Sting and our friends at Prince Charles’ Rainforest Project to send a clear message: the horrendous deforestation happening right now in our rainforests needs to stop.
Be a part of the world’s biggest SOS for our rainforests. Watch this great video message from Sting and share it with your friends:
This December, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen for important negotiations on climate change. Team Earth can send a loud message to those in power that the world’s citizens demand its protection.
The future of the rainforests is our future. As Sting shares with us in his video, the destruction of the rainforests isn’t a crime against a few — it’s a disaster for our planet.
Our voices are needed now. Invite your friends to listen to Sting’s message and to join Team Earth:
http://www.teamearth.com/sos
Thanks again for joining Team Earth. Our individual actions are coming together to make a real difference in saving our planet.
September 26th, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
In writing about the Muscular Dystrophy Association I am once again talking about people helping people. Despite the effects of an uncertain economy, contributions and pledges to the 44th annual Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon over Labor Day nonetheless totaled $60,481,231 million.
We are all capable of helping one another and this is a great tradition that will continue until a cure is found.
“These are very special people, and their money comes straight from the heart,” Lewis said. “Right now, the only thing I can think of to say, other than thank you, thank you is, ‘love conquers all.’ So many people, everywhere, even with cares of their own, dug deep to show their wonderful compassion for others who need their help.”
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a genetic disorder that weakens the muscles that help the body move. People with MD have incorrect or missing information in their genes, which prevents them from making the proteins they need for healthy muscles. Because MD is genetic, people are born with the problem — it’s not contagious and you can’t catch it from someone who has it.
MD weakens muscles over time, so children, teens, and adults who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do the things most people take for granted, like walking or sitting up. Someone with MD might start having muscle problems as a baby or their symptoms might start later. Some people even develop MD as adults.
I think that it is important to know what the disease is and what hopes may lie ahead. People with disabilities face many challenges that most of us will never comprehend. By educating ourselves and our children perhaps we can help bring a little more love into their lives. This is not about sympathy; it is about understanding, compassion and recognizing the courage of those with disabilities.
Click Here to view the video, the above photo is the cover of the book that Josh Winheld has written. The video comes from the NY Times and is entitled “Longer Life with Muscular Dystrophy.
Josh Winheld’s courage and determination is truly amazing; living life in the present is a good idea for all of us.
This video is geared to children ; it is animated and does a wonderful job of educating. You can access the BrainPOP website for more animated educational tools.
Click here, there is Hope for Muscular Dystrophy.
There are many ways of giving hope; contacting the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Las Vegas is a good first step. My daughter and her husband have worked with Middle Schools in Washington State through the Generation Joy Foundation. My post “Kids Helping Kids in Africa” is a good read. Perhaps you can get your children involved in helping those with muscular dystrophy?
September 19th, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
Write an Offer and Then Negotiate
I was reading a post from Dave Hanson’s Ballard Undressed site. Ballard is a neighborhood within the city of Seattle. Dave brings to light the need to get more personal when making an offer on a home. Here are some of his thoughts:
Sellers don’t sell their dream home and where they have raised a family with all those precious memories to words on a purchase and sale agreement. They sell it to a person. A person they want to connect with and they want them to have the same great memories just like they did when they were in the home. It is an emotional thing to many sellers and your agent needs to tap into that emotion so you can the the best price and terms possible. This is impossible through a fax and a phone is not much better. So when your out there looking at property and you hit upon a home you love, write an offer and then present face to face no matter how ugly it is.
For the full article click here.
September 16th, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
The Nevada Ballet Theatre has a holiday treat for you this year.
A Holiday presentation of The Nutcracker will be performed at the beautiful Paris Las Vegas.
Choreographed by Peter Anastos, this production will make its Las Vegas debut on Friday, December 18th in the 1,533-seat theatre at Les Theatre de Arts. “I’m thrilled to be presenting my Nutcracker for Nevada Ballet Theatre,” said Choreographer Peter Anastos, who is also the artistic director of the new Ballet Idaho. “My Nutcracker is very traditional, as it should be, and celebrates the warmth, joy and fantasy of the holiday season.”
Anastos staged his Cinderella for Las Vegas audiences back in May 2008. The Nutcracker premiered over 100 years ago in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was first performed in the United States by the San Francisco Ballet.
Photo from a performance on the East Coast.
Dancing snowflakes, a dashing prince, colorfully costumed nutcrackers, and Tchaikovsky’s majestic music have always been a part of this wonderful ballet.
Photo San Francisco Ballet
“We are excited that this new production will include so many roles for children,” said Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre Principal Anna Lantz. “In addition to sharing the stage with professional company dancers, children will have the opportunity to be a part of the entire production process as well as learning theatre etiquette and performance skills. The level of commitment and dedication to excellence that is required will be an invaluable experience for all,” remarked Lantz.
The ballet is in the process of conducting open auditions for over 100 roles. The registration date for the auditions has passed, however, it is nice to know that students from our communities will be involved.
Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker
Show Run: Friday, December 18 – Thursday, December 24, 2009.
Ticket Prices: $30, $45, $60, $85
Box Office: Call the Paris Las Vegas Les Theatre de Arts Box Office at (877) 374-7469 or (702) 946-4567.
Tickets can also be ordered online through www.ticketmaster.com on Monday, September 21.
Six Performances!
Friday, December 18 at 8 pm
Saturday, December 19 at 2 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, December 20 at 1 pm & 5 pm
Thursday, December 24 at 1pm
SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – GROUP SALES AVAILABLE
Single Tickets go on sale Monday, September 21. Call the Paris Las Vegas Les Theatre de Arts Box Office at (877) 374-7469 or (702) 946-4567 to purchase tickets. Special group pricing is also available for groups of 15 or more and can be purchased by calling Joel Mann at (702) 967-4938.
GIVE THE GIFT OF THE NUTCRACKER
Corporations and organizations are encouraged to bring their staff and employees to a performance as a unique holiday gift, or to sponsor underserved populations for this performance. For further information on this great gift idea, call Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Marketing Department at (702) 243-2623.
September 14th, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
The annual Greek Food Festival at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church is just around the corner; make sure to mark your calendar.
The 37th annual Greek Food Festival will be held September 17th through September 20th. The church, is a beauty, built in the traditional orthodox style with a large central dome.
The interior of the dome was completed a couple of years ago and it is a wonder to behold.
The food festival is the main fundraiser for St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church; it is the oldest food festival in Clark County.
Admission tickets still run $5 and you can purchase advance coupon books for $17 (a $22 value). The coupon book includes admission, one dinner plate from the dinner line and water or a soft drink.
This year they are selling raffle tickets for $20 each for a chance to win a 2010 Mercedes Benz C300 Sports Sedan. Here is a link to their advance ticket sales.
Greek Salad
I’ve dropped in a few photos off their menu; click here for the full menu of Greek dishes available at the festival.
Gyro
Baklava (Only $2 each)
There are many booths selling arts and craft; here is the link for more information.
The festival highlight is always in their great bands. This year The Greek Company and The Levendes will be performing. The continuous music will put you in the mood of KAFI. The Greeks tells us…..“When the music is playing and the joys of life consume you making you want to jump, dance and yell OPA”
Here is a link to the festival; everything that you will want to know.
September 9th, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
Desert Shores Real Estate.
I decided to do a photoshoot in Desert Shores this weekend. The idea was to give you a sense of the community and some of the activities that you might see on the lakes. While Desert Shores is not considered to be part of the Summerlin community it is on the border to Summerlin and has its own distinctive style of living.
You will find plenty of waterfront property.
Fishing on the lake; the question is whether the fish are safe to eat and how big do they get. Catch and release is just as fun on a nice day.
The Desert Shores Community Center has a great lagoon for swimming or just relaxing in the sun.
You will find some variety in the styles of the homes in Desert Shores.
Sailing anyone?
This is the remote control variety and there was a pretty good turnout.
There are a couple of very special restaurants on the water at Desert Shores. Garfield’s and Marche Bacchus both are can’t misses for fine patio dining.
As you can see; this is a great community for the family!
September 1st, 2009
Posted by Mark Clawson
Being a Washington Husky football fan; I just had to throw something out prior to the beginning of the football season.
Husky stadium is one of the most beauriful venues for college football. However, the football team has looked horrible for quite some time. Thankfully, paint dry Ty Willingham is gone. Willingham left at the end of a 0-12 campaign and ended up 11-37 while coaching at the University of Washington.
Paint dry Ty
Don James as the head football coach at the UW compiled a record of 151-59 between 1975-1992. He was called the Dawgfather of Husky football. He took his teams to 15 bowl games (10-5); nine straight from 1979-87. He guided the Huskies to six Rose Bowls. His 1991 team finished the season 12-0 and won Washington’s first ever national championship.
The Huskies have a new coach in Steve Sarkisian who is just 35 years old. Sarkisian is the former Southern California offensive coordinator whose brash and outspoken persona stands in direct contrast to that of the always-stoic Willingham.
He brings a tremendous amount of energy to the football program and has been recruiting very well; a top 10 recruiting class is not just a dream. He recently added Nick Montana, son of Joe and this has created a buzz in Husky Nation.
Nick Montana
New coach and new mascot; here is Dubs. Hopefully the football program will grow, like Dubs, into the powerhouse that they once were.
The Huskies have had a number of high profile quarterbacks.
Mark Brunell
Warren Moon
One of the most talented quarterbacks to ever play for the University of Washington Huskies. Sonny Sixkiller’s aerial show was a big hit in the early ’70s launching him into a sports legend icon.
In 1970, Sixkiller took a disastrous Husky football team which only won one game during the ‘69 season and made them winners. To this day he still holds several Husky passing records set over thirty-five years ago.
Now a color analyst for FSN Northwest Sonny remains a big part of UW and is still a football hero to Husky fans. In 1985, Sixkiller was bestowed its highest honor by being inducted into the UW football Hall of Fame.
Bob Schloredt
The “One-eyed Quarterback,” was more than just a dual-threat quarterback. In the days of one-platoon football, he could punt and play solid defense, too. By winning the 1960 Rose Bowl against Wisconsin, 44-8, Schloredt’s team also ended 13 years of embarrassment for the old Pacific Coast Conference (then the AAWU), which had made a regular habit of losing to the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl, having lost 12 of the previous 13 games.
Schloredt holds the Husky record for average yards per punt, 57.0, set by his 6 punts for 342 yards against Colorado in 1959. Schloredt was the 1960 and 1961 Rose Bowl MVP. He was inducted into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1981 and into the National Foundation College Hall of Fame in 1989.
Junior quarterback Jake Locker is the real deal; he just needs a better team around him. Too often he has been called upon to do it all for the Huskies. As as a freshman quarterback at Washington in 2007 he set school freshman records for passing and rushing and was named first-team Freshman All-Pac-10 and Freshman Offensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News. Early in his Sophmore year he broke his thumb putting a block on a player and was lost for the year.
This guy is incredible; with better passing accuracy the Huskies could win 6 games and be bowl eligible. Tough schedule, they start with LSU then USC. They also play Notre Dame and many fans will just be happy to see a 4 win season.
Next Year?
