BMW 1 Series M Driven With Skill On The US Bank Tower In Los Angeles

According to Wikipedia, The U.S. Bank Tower in Los Angeles, CA, named after "The Most Admired Bank" (see this for more info) is "the tallest building in California, the tenth-tallest in the United States, the tallest west of the Mississippi River, and as of November 2010, the 47th tallest building in the world".  Now, with all that awesome information about that awesome building and the bank that it's currently named after, would you do this?


Well, this is the BMW 1 Series M.  It is being driven by someone with more skill and more insanity than me.  Here is a little more of this driver's and the car's abilities.


Yes, I know I posted these in reverse order from their "parts", but I find the first one more crazy and; therefore, more cool.  Also, the first one lets me talk about U.S. Bank.

My Bright Idea #2 - Social Media Works for Advertising

My Bright Idea #2 - September 15, 2009
This one has partially come true, although not to the level to which I believe it could be utilized.  "My Employer" should use social media for marketing.  Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are some of the more popular forms of media out there, and if done right, can increase awareness, sales, and reputation of the company in the market.

I did call my employer to discuss my ideas with the head of  marketing back in September 2009, but was told, "we are working on our policy" and "watch for job postings in the future", but I was never allowed to present my specific ideas.

I Won The Lottery. Now What Am I Going To Do?

WARNING!!!  This became a really long and probably boring post.  I quit trying to spell and grammar check too.  It was just not worth the effort.  Sorry in advance. Also, avoid the ads this story may generate on my site.  I'm sure they are going to be about winning the Lottery or something like it.  Nobody wins.  Nobody.

  - James Guhn

Have you ever dreamed about what you'd do if you won the lottery?  I'm sure we all have.  Are you the type of person who is sure you are going to win it in the future?   Maybe "as soon as God feels like you can handle the responsibility"?  Most people who do win, can't handle the wealth in a responsible way.  Most people over spend, over extend, and put themselves in a place where their cost of living exceeds the amount they can earn.  Many even have to file bankruptcy to get things "back to normal".  Most of them can't get passed the greed lust to realize the taxes, upkeep, and the future costs of their spending and purchases.

Anyway, I would like to win, despite those problems and the Bible's warning about riches.  I'm one of those fools who thinks I can manage it, live similarly to how I live now, and still recognize the need for a Savior.   Would I give it all to charity?  NO.  Would there be many selfish purchases of excess?  Yes!  But, my theory really is that, for the most part, my life wouldn't change much, and if it did change in a Spiritual way, it would be for the better because I'd have more time to read the Bible, write about the Bible, write songs about God, record those songs, publish those songs, and promote those songs about God to the masses.  People who know me well, also understand I have a few desired items, but most of my joy comes from being the guy who can "picks up the bill" at a dinner or entertain guests with an exiting evening full of food and laughter.  I'm not so much about possessions as I am about the appreciation felt by doing something for another person.  I'll do anything to make people laugh...to my own detriment.  Don't get me wrong, I do know I'm an ass, but most of the time it's either my frustration with people's total lack of common sense, or I'm trying to make someone laugh at the expense of others.

So what would I spend my millions on?  (Oh yeah, and we're talking lots of millions.  Like hundreds of millions in this dream post).  My first purchase would be something for driving.  Currently the list would probably include an Audi A8, Q7, or R8.  Or all 3.  Right now those are my favorites.

 I'd, of course, buy a house, or more likely, property to build my dream home on.  I'd want enough land to build a driving course too (more on that in a minute).  I'd want to take vacations to Hawaii.  I'd hire someone to go on that vacation to watch the kids (applications will be accepted from friends too so, be thinking of what qualifies you to go).  I'd find a very safe investment where the interest earned would be enough for a normal salary, let's say $80k to $100k per year.  This investment would be the "untouchable" portion of the winnings, set aside to pay me for the rest of my life.  Sure, it's not going to be earning as much as the money could possibly earn in more aggressive investing, but at this point wealth is not the goal.  I'm already there.

But that's really the list of purchases for myself.  A house with property.  A few of my favorite vehicles.  Vacation.  And a few safe investments, including money for my kids colleges and their own needs (and a few wants).  The rest, I'd want to us doing things for others.  Now, I'm not talking charity type stuff.  I'm not trying to sound giving and like I'd suddenly be this super loving guy.  I'd actually be really cautious and steer clear of almost all charity style giving.  I don't trust most of them.  I'm really referring to friends and family giving.  I'd take care of those close to me, the ones I love and care about.  Sure, I'd support my church, but mostly I'd become physically involved at church, seeing how I wouldn't need a job.  I'd volunteer for programs and projects, get back into music, maybe teach some.  But the no job thing leads me to my next points.

I'd want to continue in some line of work.  Some days I think I'd go back into law enforcement.  Other days I think something simple and mindless like a bank teller would be nice.  Today I actually thought about a "stay at home" position with the bank, were I work a phone, answering operational questions for branches all over the country.  But here is how I see these jobs working out:

Law Enforcement Job

The law enforcement job works out where, I'd want to purchase my own car.  Currently I'd look at the Dodge Charger since the Crown Victoria is all but gone, although recently I heard my old agency may be going with the Chevy Tahoe.  I'd have it painted in the scheme of the hiring agency.  I'd outfit it with all the latest and greatest technology, including all the upgraded hardware and software available to work with existing systems.  I'd also eventually invest time and money into bringing the agency's hardware and software up to modern specs as well.  I would require a paid position and union protections, but the salary would not be the concern.  Mainly, I'd want all the available protections afforded officers of the law, from the public and criminals who may want to take from me and my winnings to satisfy their own greed.  I would not ask for pay during the training portion of the job, but I'd wait until I was a stand alone officer, to allow the agency and other officers time to see my commitment to taking criminals to jail, making people feel safe, and being involved in the community (is that not the perfect cop answer?).

After establishing myself in the job and proving I am a hard working officer, willing to do the same tasks as anyone else, I would work on things that can make doing the job more efficient, safe, and productive.
From my short time on patrol, my first thought here is a system within the cars that makes it easier, safer, and quicker to gain information on a call, a suspect, or a vehicle, etc. that an officer is involved with.  Also, I'd work to upgrade all the communications systems throughout the given agency, so there are not areas within the jurisdiction where communication is a problem.  I'd work on the report writing system and dispatching system to create seamless transfer of information, creating templates for many of the reoccurring crime reports, so that completion of the report is quicker, more straight forward, and to the point.  In car report writing systems could be created with pre-populated information and drop-down cells to help quickly and accurately write a report.  Agency wide networking would allow for officers to access the information anywhere.

My home driving course (on the land I referenced earlier) would be set up to facilitate training and ongoing refresher courses for safe officer Emergency Vehicle Operations Course requirements, and additional quality vehicle operations.  I would design a course that allowed for fast driving, winding road courses, and other intense conditions, such as wet pavement and slide control training.  I would spend time and money on my own skills to properly prepare me to train officers in pursuit and code 3 driving.  I'd offer access to the officers at free or reduced costs so they could continue to practice and hone their skills on their own time.  I'd also offer the course and equipment to the agency to facilitate required training mandates.  I'd provide the vehicles, with the same specifications as the agency's fleet.  I'd also provide an area for shooting practice and arrest control technique training.  My property would be a virtual academy for law enforcement training.

Bank Job

I would have nothing to learn if I went the bank teller route  As a teller, I'd spend all my time talking to customers and running their simple transactions.  I'd want to do this in a place where there is high traffic, not so I'm busy all the time, but because the only challenge for a bank teller is to keep people happy while moving them through a large line and offering them products and services that might benefit them.  I can do all the duties of a bank teller in my sleep...sometimes I did.  Really, I'd take this job as a millionaire, simply for the ability to entertain customers, without any responsibility except fulfilling their banking requests.  Mindless? Yes.  But I'd also have the interaction with people I'd need to allow me an opportunity to entertain.

If I went toward an operation support position, something called Retail Support where I work, it would allow me to use my current knowledge of policies and procedures, along with the ability to refine, revise, and possibly write policies. I've been doing this already in a limited scope but in past with major impact, writing policies, creating forms, and providing access and training.  Still today, I am emailed often from people all over the company looking for revised or electronic versions of my forms and handouts.  I'd love to have a more connected role to the current policy writers and be more involved in the processes that shape how things are done within the company.  I'd look at combining the efforts of the policy writers with those of the training department, to more completely offer the correct processes to follow.

Of course, even without the lottery winnings, this job would be awesome.  But, by winning the Lottery millions, I'd do it in a capacity that allowed me to be part time and home based.

Conclusion to Crazy Talk
So, I wrote this to talk about my wants, but it really made me think about what I want to do with myself.  In reality, winning the Lottery is probably not going to happen and the law enforcement thing is probably too much of a drastic life change with too many unknown variables.  But the Retail Support thing is really what I want to do.  I really want to do it in the capacity of someone who can make the changes happen.  What would that require?  I'm not sure.  How does anyone become a mover and a shaker in a huge company like mine?  These are the questions that, if answers, can lead to great success.  I'm the type that doesn't feel uncomfortable asking the successful how they managed to make it happen, but I know often times there are people who feel threatened by people who push themselves forward aggressively (it's challenged me more than once).  I've always been good at the jobs I've held,  and if I wasn't good at something, I made the required changes to make success happen.  I'll conclude with these thoughts:

1.  I need to pursue what I love.
2.  I need to look harder from the outside in at what that pursuit needs to be.
3.  I need to make the moves to make it happen without feeling like it's going to takes winning the Lottery.

So, I really didn't win the lottery, but if I did....yeah, it'd be some stuff on this list for sure.

My Starbucks Affair...From Logos to Gold Cards

Starbucks has updated their logo, and I love the new look of the Siren.  She is out of the circle and able to do so much more to represent the Starbucks brand.  The logo is still so recognizable as Starbucks, without the need for the name to be part of it.  I think this will allow the company to do more great things.

Also, to celebrate their 40th year, Starbucks wants us all to enjoy some anniversary cake...or a treat with our coffee this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

I've talked to a lot of my friends and people at work about my Starbucks Gold Card, but I wanted to really explain why (if you like coffee or tea) you should get with it and register a Starbucks gift card.  First, it's easy.  All you need to do is register an Starbucks gift card at starbucks.com.  You now get a free drink on your birthday.  Next, use the registered card 5 times to reach Green Level status.  This earns you free syrups and milk, free refills on brewed coffees or teas, and a free beverage with any whole bean purchase. And finally, at 30 uses you reach Gold Level status and a personalized gold card is sent to you. A Gold Level card adds to the freebies of the Green Level.  Besides coupons and special offers, every 15 uses of your gold card earns you a free drink. It's awesome and easy.

Now, I wanted to mention the latest and coolest feature Starbucks offers registered card members.  You can use the Starbucks Mobile Card app to pay with your registered cards.  The app allows you to check your balances, add money if necessary, track rewards, add new cards, pay for your purchases, and more.  To pay, you launch the app and turn the bar code toward the Starbucks scanner.  It's cool.

It really is awesome.  I love the app.  I love my rewards.  I love Starbucks.

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I Bought A Kia Sorento. WHAT!?!? I Think I'm Going To Love It.

I'm a big automobile guy.  I've written about Ford vehicles, GM vehicles, VW, Toyota, Honda, and others.  I've never, ever, ever talked about Kia (well...).  Then, I went and bought one today; a 2011 Kia Sorento.
First, yesterday my wife and I spent hours walking around the auto mall looking at used SUVs.  We couldn't find anything with under 50,000 miles or that didn't have dents, scratches, or weird smells. One Honda Pilot, we both agreed, was previously owned by a dog groomer...and the bathing part had to have happened inside the SUV (it smelled).  They were all over-priced for old used cars, and we couldn't agree on anything. We gave up after 3+ hours there.  I did take my wife to Volkswagen and we drove a 2011 Jetta.  I thought I could convince her that a commuter car for me would work just fine, and she could continue to drive the Nissan Altima.  Well, all I learned was the 2011 VW Jetta is not a great car.  It's nothing compared to my 1999 VW Golf.  We ended up going to dinner and coffee with friends.

And then, it happened.  One of our friends asked if we looked at Kia.  I half rolled my eyes, but told him I had noticed Kia's vehicles lately.  Back when the Golf took its previous "dump", about a year ago, I did notice the Kia Forte and thought about looking into it as a commuter for me.  They have a very non-tradition Korean(cheap) car look.

Fast-forward to today.  We decided to go to the Kia dealer to look at the Sorento, an SUV with 3rd-row seating.  We saw the base model 2011 Kia Sorento (well the LX, the base is a manual that no one ever has on their lots, according to the salesman).  Included as standard options were Bluetooth (which is an advanced version offering not just phone call technology, but streaming audio from our iPhones), power windows and doors locks, steering wheel controls for phone, stereo, and cruise control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, hill assist, traction control, curtain air bags, and more.  Plus, the only car on their lot that was base level had the "convenience package" which, among other things, included a back-up camera and sensors, heated seats, and fog lamps.

It's big and comfortable, powerful yet efficient.  The 3rd-row seating will be great for those times my wife and her sister want to go somewhere with all 4 kids (each have 2).  It will be useful for trips.  With a 4-cylinder engine that can get up out of its own way but still produce 21/29 mpg, it will be an affordable SUV to operate too.  In comparison, Toyota's Highlander is boasting at 20/25 mpg, Chevy's Traverse is at 17/24, while the Honda Pilot is only getting at 17/23.  And the all new Ford Explorer I've talked so much about, it only gets 17/25 mpg at its best (and that's a 25% more efficient system according to Ford).

Prices?  Well, lets compare the starting MSRP for each, according to their websites.  Just know, I didn't pay this amount for my Sorento today.  These are the "Starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price" on each:
Chevy Traverse: $29,224
Ford Explorer: $28,190
Honda Pilot: $28,045
Toyota Highlander: $27,540
And the Kia Sorento: $20,995, besting the best price of the rest by $6,545 to $8,229.

With all the Kia offers above and beyond the others and their standard options, I don't really get why the gap is so large.  And Kia continues to add more benefits to purchasing one of their vehicles. I compared the warranties of all of these vehicles, and none of them have anything like the 60,000 mile bumper to bumper and 100,000 mile power train that Kia offers.  They all offer something like 36,000 miles for bumper to bumper and 60,000 mile for power train.  NOT EVEN CLOSE!  Just about the time everyone else's warranties run out completely, Kia says they'll give another 40k miles of coverage for good measure.

So, the guy who said he'd never look at cheap Korean cars (me), is now thinking he made a pretty good deal buying a Kia.  Maybe its because I've been in Taekwando for a few months. Taekwando is the Korean martial art.  Whatever the reason, I'm pleased my wife will now be transporting herself and my boys in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "2010 Top Safety Pick".


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My Test Drive Of The 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI

There was a point in my blogging when I thought I'd do more reporting on cars and my own opinions and impressions; including test drives, looking at statistics and specs, and being more honest about a vehicle then the sponsored car magazines and blogs.  Then I realized, I don't have time, money, or that much talent.  I have to hold down a real job, love on my family, and live a real life away from the computer.  Plus, if the manufacturers are giving you a vehicle to test drive, it's not a quick loop around the AutoMall.  When you have the vehicle for a few days, as part of your daily routine and job functions, you can really get into the handling and drive of the vehicle and write a really great (although sometimes wordy) review.

Well yesterday, after a Costco visit that went horribly wrong, where our Christmas Eve tri-tip was paid for but never made it home, I went to the AutoMall after retrieving a new set of tri-tips (I say "set" because it's Costco and you can't just buy one of anything).  I was originally going to check out the new 2011 Ford Explorer, as we are in the market for a bigger, more practical, family vehicle, but on my way around the AutoMall loop, I thought about the Gilt.com 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sale (a genius marketing idea by VW) and decided to stop at the VW dealer.  And, while my intention was to check out the Jetta, the salesman asked enough questions to realize if I was actually in the market to buy a VW, it'd be a fuel efficient commuter for myself.  He asked if I'd heard about TDI, Volkswagen's clean diesel engines. Of course I had, but I had never driven one.

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI

This was the Golf TDI on the lot for me.  This was the only 4-door TDI on the lot, in white, with a manual transmission, and well equipped.  It had a sunroof (I don't need), fog lamps (cool), and a rear spoiler (sweet).  It had the European style turn signals on the side mirrors and a cool feature where it gives the driver 3 blinks of the signal if a tap to the signal switch is made, rather than a full push into the on position.  It had Bluetooth that worked with my iPhone for calling, and more importantly it integrated with the iPod features.  That was great, an they still make a really great sounding stereo.  I could play music right through the car stereo, without wires or any additional configuration beyond syncing with Bluetooth.

The Drive
We took it for a spin.  Because I understand diesel is more about compression than lighting the fuel on fire, I expected it to be a little slower to respond.  Well...it was and wasn't.  The initial provision of fuel at take-off seemed to be an issue for me.  I stalled it twice in a row.  It seemed like I had to really stomp on the gas pedal to get enough diesel into the engine for take-off.  BUT, once I figured out the take-off (and I do drive a manual transmission every day so I know what I'm doing) the car got up and moved.  I loved the quickness of this car.  We were able to take it onto the freeway and I got up to speed with ease.  I did miss the instant "push you back into your seat" feeling my 1999 VW Golf 2.0 gasoline engine still provides, but I believe that's the diesel way.  I'm not saying it wasn't quick, there just wasn't the instant push.  I think it would still beat my '99 in any type of race.

The Numbers
I'm averaging between 25 and 28 MPG in my '99, which according to it's sticker is supposed to get 24 and 31 MPG.  This car boasts of 30 city and 42 highway.  That's great, but with an MSRP of $23,435 this car is over-priced. With the basic 4-door starting at $19,685 and an MPG of 23 city and 33 highway, the TDI 4-door bumps the vehicle up $3,750.  That's huge.  It would take over 9.5 years to make back that difference.  Not such a money saver when you figure that out.  Not to mention, my wife's Nissan Altima is a bigger car, handles great, has some added features over the base Golf, with similar MPG (23 and 32), and priced almost the same as the base 4-door.  If you are looking for a car that will fit the kids too, go Altima for the price.

The Verdict
Would I buy one if I had the money?  I think not.  For the price of $23,435, I'd look at a GTI or wait for the Type R that is coming.  Although the Diesel has been an interesting idea to me, the fuel savings does not afford the sticker increase.  It was a nice drive, but the instant push of a gasoline out weighs the fuel savings in the end.  Sure, my '99 is 11.5 years old, meaning I'd be into the money savings period now with the TDI, but the 9.5 years of less "get up and go" a TDI would provide would make me regret the decision.

One last thing about Volkswagen: I love them and their vehicles.  They look great, drive amazingly, get great mileage, and have some nice extras.  But they are all over-priced. I mean, they are consistently several thousand dollars over their class equals.  The 2011 Jetta is a trend towards fixing that pricing gap, but Volkswagen started as the people's car, affordable and simple.  I think they need to work harder towards returning to those roots.  Like I said, the 2011 Jetta is a start towards the pricing correction, but the rest of the brand needs to make similar moves.


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US Bancorp CEO Is Helping Shape Banking For The Future

"U.S. Bancorp CEO Richard Davis has emerged the unassuming and candid national voice of an industry that's been in the public dumpster since the financial crisis began two years ago." says the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, MN.  Read the whole article here.

 This guy ROCKS!  He is running the greatest bank in the country.  Their products and services are top notch.  Their business practices ethical and intelligent.  And their potential for continued success is very high.  If I Were CEO...I couldn't do as good a job as Richard Davis.

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So Much To Say, No Time To Say It - Part 3

I really need a better way to blog. This is the third time I've posted a list of things I want to blog about but just don't have the time for. Part 1 and Part 2 are also interesting.

Twitter is close to what I need, but there isn't really an app that allows me to save all my thoughts and links to a central location for easy access and formatting for the blog. Someone needs to write an application that allows all of the Internet links and stories, as well as, all the other information we read or hear about to come together in a central place for later formating and editing. These days, Husband and Daddy duties trump my ability to freely blog. I've been wanting to write about the following topics, but I haven't had the free time. I still need to find a grant or something that would allow me to pursue my desire to write this thing, without having a job. Maybe then I could edit and correct me spelling and grammar issues before publishing.

The Topics
The September 1st Apple Event

The iPad with iOS 4.2 finally makes the iPad look interesting to me

The iPhone 3G with iOS 4.1

Pepsi should go after Hansen's market share with Sierra Mist Natural

Mr. Rogers

Steve Jobs' personally ownership in Disney, more stock than Eisner?

Dodge-ball is illegal in school, a.k.a. we are raising wimps(NSFW). Part of the on-going story of "The government want to tell you what to do". This is not really news but getting worse.

Soda Company's breakdown

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Receiving Bad Checks is a "BUMmer"

I know the logo on the two blue checks very well. Still, I don't feel bad for this guy unless the bounced checks are why he's on the street. I guess it is still a BUMmer to get written a bad check.

Don't Buy What GM's Selling Now **UPDATED**

In GM's newest ad, they want you to believe they paid back all the money they owe. While they may have paid back the federal loans, they are still about $45,300,000,000.00 short of paying back the American people. On top of that is the $20,000,000,000.00 that was wiped in the bankruptcy process. If you can't tell with all those zeros, both numbers are BILLIONS of dollars. According to David Kiley with AOL: Prior to today's (4/21/2010) announcement, GM owed the U.S. government $4.7 billion and the Canadian government $1.1 billion. The U.S. government invested a total of $50 billion in GM to get the company through bankruptcy. Besides the debt, the U.S. holds $2.1 billion in preferred stock and stock warrants for a total 61% stake. The U.S. also aided GM with more than $20 billion more before the Chapter 11 bankruptcy to keep it afloat, but that money is not expected to be paid back. See the rest of his article here. The Truth About Cars says this. Don't buy what GM is trying to sell you in this commercial. They still took close to $100,000,000,000.00 from the American people. BUY FORD! **UPDATED** Autoblog added this today.

FOOD IS BAD FOR YOU!

I just saw the movie "Food, Inc." and now I don't ever want to eat food from the grocery store or a fast food restaurant ever again. The first thing I looked up after the movie was locally grown food. I found Placer Grown's website. I now want to boycott so many things. We are all going to die! Go see this movie. Go buy organic. Find local farmers who grow and/or raise their crops and animals, instead of eating "food" from companies that produce, manufacture, or create it in a lab.

So Much To Say, No Time To Say It

Reeds, Inc. may buy out Jones Soda, Inc. LOI submitted. Wish I owned stock. Wish I worked for Mr. Reed.

Coke may be revising and hoping to revitalize Mello Yello.

Wild Cherry Pepsi finally gets the new family design. I need a new car and can't decide what to get.

Here is my research so far. The VW needs a new clutch and about 180,000 less miles.

Dish Network finally has an iPhone app to set timers remotely.

Red Letter Media reviews movies with sarcasm and cussing. Funny stuff.

So much more I've probably forgotten. Need funding to blog all day. Click on the ads. Click. Click.

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Downsizing Sale Part 2

Need a Pool Table set with extras?

Downsizing Sale Part 1

Looking for a piano? Buy mine.

Hansen's Beverage Company Sucks

Calling all Monster Energy Drink drinkers: STOP drinking it. Calling all Hansen's Beverage Company patrons: STOP buying their products. Don't buy anything from the Hansen's Beverage Company. They are going crazy with the lawyers, trying to scare a beverage review website into taking down a review and trying to tell a Vermont beer brewer to change the name of a beer. Monster Energy Drink vs. Vermonster. Oh yeah, I can see the confusion consumers are going to have. NOT! Beer is sold in a different location within the store to a different person wanting something different from their beverage. I'm calling for a boycott, not because it directly affects me, but after seeing their attack on my favorite beverage review site, bevreview.com, I came across the second story about the brewer. It makes nme mad that a large corporation would go after a small brewer for something that is totally not a trademark infringement. And like the brewer says in the following video, it's just a huge expense, Hansens can afford and the Rock Art Brewery can't. Here's the brewer's story. Read bevreview.com's story on their own site here or here at the Consumerist. Read the brewer's story here and visit their website.

Pepsi Natural is Going "Bye-Bye" and Other Marketing Stuff (A JTG Rant)

I was at Target this week and a PepsiCo employee was there checking stock and shelf placement, and whatever they do to not help them sell soda better. Being the nerd that I am, I struck up a conversation with him about my love for Pepsi's products and my desire to work for PepsiCo. He said to me, "no you don't." What? I guess he is a commission based employee, which I would never want to be because goals are usually set at a point where reaching them is just shy of what is possible to reach for bonuses, and therefore, no money is made. This seemed to be his complaint. I did notice too many different sizes of cans and bottles, no Pepsi Natural, and just all around bad placement of the beverages. He also mentioned something about the Coca-Cola guy who also entered the isle. I quickly mentioned I hated Coke and he almost came to the rescue of the Coca-Cola guy. I felt like punching both of them after that. I asked him a few different questions about Pepsi and other flavors, but then I turned my focus to the fact that NO Pepsi Natural was on the shelves. He told me, it is done. Pepsi is not going to be selling it anymore. "What? That was a short run. And Pepsi did NO advertising anywhere for it," I told him. "Even Pepsi's own website doesn't mention Pepsi Natural." He told me they just try things and they are hit or miss. If it doesn't sell well right away, they pull it. It didn't seem right to me. I'm a huge Pepsi Natural fan. I mean, this is my favorite drink. I actually spend the extra money they charge for the glass bottled 4 packs of the stuff. And then I started thinking about how marketing people think they know sooo much about how to market products, companies, etc. For example, I had a great idea for my own employer. I believe they should use social networking sites, like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, to spread the word, for virtually free, to the world. Sure they would have to pay me a small salary to maintain the sites with current and relevant information about the company, ad campaigns, promotions, giveaways, etc., but I could do in for cheap. I wouldn't need an office. I wouldn't even need a computer really. I can practically do most of the required work from my phone (okay that might be pushing it a little, but don't pay some "marketing expert" moron 100K. Pay me 50K). This would be a great way to spread the word about the company, while at the same time, offering up solutions to problems, customer service help, and a way to control information about the company on the Internet. While on leave for a few weeks with a new baby, I set a meeting with the marketing people. These marketing geniuses basically didn't even let me explain my ideas. Instead, the president of marketing talked over me about how they were "already looking into this avenue of marketing" and "they were looking to hire someone who had experience in setting up this kind of site for a large company." So, in other words, my creative ideas after 9 plus years of experience with this company, would not be needed because some outside yahoo would be able to do it better; him with his marketing degree and all. I think what I'm getting at is: too often people go to school, are taught how to do things the teacher's way or the industries' standard way, given a degree that says, "you know marketing", and all the creative ideas of others are looked down upon or considered sub-par. My ideas come from experience, participation, and the observation of success in using these mediums. I look at what other LARGE companies are doing and how they make their followers, friends, and fans feel as though they are part of the company. I see that potential being wasted by the "marketing experts" of my company. The Mountain Dew Labs thing, for example; I'm not totally convinced I've had any impact on the design, look, name, or anything associated with flavor #231, but Mountain Dew made me feel like I did. They made me feel like I am part of their design team. I feel like I am part of the family. And that's what I see being the missed opportunity here. I spoke to two different customers this week about similar topics. One customer is a website designer. He told me he usually doesn't hire the college graduates who apply to his company because they design just like they were taught. There is no creativity in their designs, and they are often boring. The other customer was a retired marketing expert. He told me how the big corporate marketing jerks take the creativity of the little people and smash it to create the cookie cutter look that everyone else has. He talked about how the company he worked for was owned by a larger national company. When the larger parent company came in to "implement" the company's national message, they lost customers, jobs, and ultimately the whole smaller division, due to the lack of understanding their customers. Someone needs to take the little guy's ideas and let them run free. I think if my employer hired me to implement my social networking strategy, we would see almost instant gains in sales, recognition, and a nationwide acknowledgment of what the company is doing. We would be able to share our goals, products, position in the current market, and all the other strengths that make us one of the best in our industry. We would be able to show that we are the leading company in the nation, still doing business the same today as we did 5 years ago, before the current economic crisis. We are strong, secure, respected, and well funded to maintain a high level of quality service and products for our customers. These free marketing mediums would allow us to express our redefined focus on customer service and all the great products we offer both businesses and individuals. We could incorporate our national marketing campaigns with local focuses and successes throughout all our markets, products, and services. But back to my Pepsi Natural. Pepsi never even addressed that they made this stuff. It's no where to be found in any of their marketing. And it's sad because it is soooo good. Sure, they can't really talk about the fact that it's made with real cane sugar, making it easier for their consumers' bodies' to digest. They don't want to harm the sales of there biggest two beverage, Pepsi and Mountain Dew. But, why not talk about the "all natural ingredients" or the "original cola style taste" or the fact that it's stinking amazing, in a glass bottle, and a sophisticated grown-up soda? I'm so sad about Pepsi Natural. It really is good. People were not given a chance to try it. Maybe the marketing as natural threw off the masses. Instead, you marketing geniuses, try the "original cola styling" approach. That might get some more fans of old school stuff to try it. Look at the marketing success of the VW Beetle when it came back out. It's been awhile since I had a good rant, so here's one about marketing, Pepsi Natural, and college educated people sucking. HAHA. Maybe that's a little harsh. Sorry to those of you who went to college and think you are somehow smarter, or you who think the word "sucking" is as bad as any cuss word. I'm actually sad about my misfortune with the marketing people at my company. I know I would be good at it. I'm still passionate about it, and that means I care enough about it that I'd do really well at it. I'd enjoy my job too. But for now, I'll still work hard where I am.

Bank Teller Fired After Stopping A Robber (American Pansies?)

The AP Story is here. Answer my opinion poll questions are at the bottom by commenting. My official opinion is, "Don't endanger others over federally insured money." But, come on. Termination? America is full of pansies, a.k.a. people who allow the bullies and bad guys to win. I do think this teller's actions were foolish and dangerous, as I've fought many "thin" inmates at the jail with what we called "the crazy man strength", but it's a refreshing thing to hear about the good guys winning one. Law enforcement doesn't often catch the bank robbers, and if they do, it doesn't get reported with all the attention this teller has brought. Again, I'm not necessarily condoning the actions of the teller; I just wish we got to hear about the "victories for the good guys" more often. And, although the story is getting so much attention because the bad guy was caught and the good guy was fired, I bet we would never have heard about the story if the bad guy got away and the bank still fired the teller (and they would have). I wish there were more "heroes" and "victories" and "good stories" in the news. For example, even though I don't believe the story, I felt a little better today when I heard a report about the economy turning around. Positive stories are not often told. And sure, this story ends with the teller getting fired, but we all can think about HOW COOL it is the bad guy was caught by the lowly bank employee. Okay, the teller was treated the same way probably most, if not all banks, would have handled his actions. The teller did endanger other employees, any other customers in the branch, the "passer-by" who helped stop the suspect, and himself. This was not smart. The outcome ended up being okay, but ultimately stopping someone from taking insured money (and money that was not even his) and risking the safety of others was not worth it. Good job dude. You are a hero and an idiot all at the same time. I wish it was okay, but we don't always know what a crazy inmate type tweek is capable of doing. The crazy man strength is real, and it's dangerous. There was an inmate in for murdering a lady at a gas station. He was probably only 130 lbs and 5' tall at the most. He squared off to fight one of the self-defense instructors at the jail. He was struck in the face by the officer, knocking him on his rear, and he was still able to fight 5 officers before he was finally controlled in handcuffs. The crazy man strength is scary. But, hey teller guy, I'm sorry you lost your job. ***OPINION POLL*** WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should he be fired? Did he do the right thing?

This Is My Bank

So this is my bank.  I'm not really trying to sell you anything, unless you need it.  If you do, go see my banker at his new branch.  Shoot me an email (jamesguhn@gmail.com) and I'll give you directions.

 

U.S. Bank finally has a commercial running nationwide.  Watch for it during the U.S. Open August 1-2, or watch it here.

 

Other Stuff About U.S. Bancorp - checking out Here

Here' are some of the highlights:

First large bank to pay off TARP.  Read more here

#1 in privacy according to Ponemon Institute

Bank Director magazine ranks U.S. Bancorp as top performer

U.S. Bancorp is best in class in stress tests. Read more here

U.S. Bancorp is one of the safest banks in the world according to Global Finance

U.S. Bancorp tax-equity fund fuels "hundreds and hundreds" of new solar projects. Read more here

U.S. Bank among "most respected companies". Read more here

Best in Class: U.S. Bancorp an overlooked gem. Read more here

 

U.S. Bank

All of US serving you

Don't Support GM!

Don't support GM, congress, Obama, or anyone who thinks a guy who helped lead a company into bankruptcy and cost the citizens of the USA $90 billion so far, deserves the following severance: $8.2 million, plus $74,030 per year for life, along with health and life insurance plans That's what Rick Wagoner who, in March, was forced out of his position as the CEO of General Motors, will be receiving from GM...or us, the taxpayers. This is more money than I'll ever make in my entire life. And, it's some of the money we pay to this stupid government we have "representing" us. Although, I keep wanting to say support Ford, I'm a little nervous because they have contracts with the UAW. Still, it's a better option than GM who is just costing taxpayers more and more money. LET GM FAIL. Let bad decision makers fail. I look at the banking industry and see that a bank like U.S. Bank is one of the healthiest and most secure banks in the nation because they were conservative and made good, sound business decisions. Let the rest fail. That's what FDIC is about. That's what capitalism is about. Let the bad fall away and become no more. We can weed out the bad and keep the good. This is a great time to help the good businesses succeed and the bad one get out of the way.

Ronald Reagan Was Always a Great Man

I've talked about Ronald Reagan before and the Heritage Foundation. I came across this video on a website trying to slam RR. If you listen to this, how can you have anything bad to say about RR? He even mentions the UAW and their backing for socialized medicine. This was an LP (record) sent out in 1961 by the American Medical Association, with Ronald Reagan, who was still a private citizen and an actor at the time. This is before RR got involved in politics. It wasn't until 1967, when he became the 33rd governor of California, that Reagan became known as a politician. And then, in 1981 when he became the President of the United States of America, Reagan became one of the most beloved presidents ever.