The Bull Pen: November 2008

For my fellow bikers out there I thought you may like to see a behind the scenes look at the work we did for the Allstate motorcycle commercials that ran on TLC and American Chopper.  I had a great time with this one and we shot this commercial outside of Albuquerque NM.   I was amazed at how much work these folks do to make commercials.  There was a crew of 14 people who spend hours setting everything up from one location to the next.  One thing that I am certain of is that I could never do this for a living.  It's probably a good thing as I never was paid for any of this.  I did however get to beat on a new triumph for the shoot as my trusty road king was back in Chicago. 

I did have a great time and enjoyed meeting the folks who can make almost anyone look ok.  They definately had their work cut out with me as a subject.  If you are looking for a great place to ride check out New Mexico.  It was beautiful.

Thats all I have to say about that.

Bull

 

Many of you know that I am a spokesman for Allstate's motorcycle insurance. The video below is an interview from the photo shoot we did for the print ads. I have to warn you that the video is some extremely boring stuff so unless you have a hard time getting to sleep you may want to pass on this one..... This is kinda creepy if you ask me. Bull

With all of the negative news regarding our economy many folks are rethinking what they wish for Christmas this year.  The trend is now more focused on wider reaching help in terms of job creation and job security and a return to stable market conditions. 

It's not hard to see some of the reasons we are in the position we are in today.  This morning I was watching several of my favorite news channels and the topic of bailing out our auto makers was covered.  I found it interesting that the CEO of Toyota makes about $1 million a year and last year Toyota posted profits of $5 billion.

Unfortunately Toyota's domestic CEO counterparts earn significantly more and have continually lost money.  Ford's CEO Alan Mulally made $21.7 million and GM CEO Rick Wagoner pulled in $14.4 million, much of it from non-qualified deferred compensation or option awards. In 2006, Mr. Mulally-who was recruited that year from Boeing as a "fix-it" CEO-received an $18.5 million bonus, which was more than half of his total compensation. Ford's outgoing finance chief, Don Leclair, made $11.7 million last year, ranking him among the 15 highest paid CFOs.

What happened to pay for performance?  To add insult to injury the CEO's of Detroit's big three auto makers fly to Washington on their private jets to rattle their tin cups for handouts and provide no explanation of how our tax dollars will be used? 

Do we have a right to be mad? You betcha.... Executive compensation and mismanagement has run rampant through corporate America.  While many of us are looking to the future and have adjusted our lifestyles to adapt to these times I suspect that many of the highly compensated leaders in corporate America do not have the same fears.

So what are my wishes for Christmas?

1.  Good health and security for my family and friends

2.  Chicago wins the 2016 Winter Olympic games which does amazing things for the greater Chicagoland economy.

3.  Market stabilization

4.  A few moderate but nice presents under the tree for the kids.

5.  Selfish one here...... New tires for my truck.... The old ones are leaking and need to be refilled twice a week.  Sorry but had to post this one just in case Santa was reading...

What do you want for Christmas this year?

That's all I have to say about that.

Bull

 

 

 

If you read the papers today you will see a teaser for President Elect Obama's new job creation program.  In many ways it looks like the old Work Progress Association.  There are both critics and supporters of the old WPA mentality and depending on who you ask the results were either favorable or dismal. 

Personally, I favor this approach in terms of building upon our national infastructure vs. extending existing aid.  I guess I have always preferred a days pay for a days work.  Of course who knows where the funds will come from but I for one am supportive of a program that helps put Americans back to work.

Personally, I much prefer investing in jobs creation by investing in our national infrastructure versus investing in banks which are reluctant do do much more than use the money to help them weather this storm. 

Any thoughts?

Bull

Only 317 days until the international Olympic committed decides which city will host the 2016 summer Olympics.  Personally, I am more of a winter Olympic fan but these Olympics could turn around the greater Chicagoland economy. 

That's right, after next Octobers decision, the host city will start massive construction projects in preparations for this global event.  Just imagine what importing 4000+ workers and their families would do out our housing surplus.  In addition all of these workers will need places to shop, eat and spend.  In addition, winning our bid will virtually eliminate our construction related unemployment.  The good news is that the effects of this are fairly immediate as major construction would start the spring of 2010.

If you have not done so yet, I would encourage you to check out  http://www.chicago2016.org/.  Here you can learn more about Chicago's bid.  Boy could we use this economic shot in the arm so please consider supporting this effort.

That's all I have to say about that....

Bull

Ok, so the economy is in the crapper and business is harder to find than it was in the past.   So what should you do?  Join a club.

Many of us are faced with tiger budgets these days and lets face it, buisness conditions are tough.  How do you reach new clients these days and make relationships?  Look into fraternal or social organizations.

One thing that I have done over the years which has paid big dividends is to actively participate in several fraternal and/or social organizations.  I was drawn to these organizations more for my desire to help those in need but over the years have made many new friends which has consequently supported my business.

If you have not done so, I would encourage you to look into membership in any of your area organizations which may be a good avenue for you to build upon your network.  One thing I think you will also discover is that these places not only help folks in need but are also great places hang out.  

Several of the organizations I belong to sell beer for $1.50 and you can get a steak dinner for $8.00 and at the same time are kid friendly.  Now where can you find that kind of deal? 

Here is a partial list of clubs for you to look at.  Remember, the more you give, the more you have.

Well, that's all I have to say about that.

Bull

 

MASONIC GROUPS

Freemasons Local Charities George Washington Masonic Memorial Tribute to George Washington Masonic Information Anti-Masonic Views Explained/Refuted Freemasons, Friendly Societies and Trade Unions Articles & Essays Masonic Service Association Authentic Masonic Information Masonic Service Association Masonic World Royal Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine AKA The Shriners Eastern Star Red Cross, Salvation Army Tall Cedars of Lebanon Neuromuscular disease Daughters of the Nile Shriners Hospitals High 12 Masonic Youth Groups Prince Hall Masonry Local charities SCIOTS Supreme Pyramid A.E.O.S. Masonic Charities Scottish Rite Freemasonry Language Disorders, Dyslexia Supreme Counsel 33: Scottish Rite Freemasonry Language Disorders, Dyslexia National Sojourners Youth Patriotism   OTHER FRATERNAL GROUPS Independent Order of Odd Fellows Arthritis Fraternal Order of Eagles God, Flag, Country Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Veterans/Youth activities Moose International Children/Elderly National Grange (Patrons of Husbandry) American Values Knights of Pythias Special Olympics General Federation of Women's Clubs Women's Interests/Child Abuse Royal Neighbors of America Join Hands Day Pilot International Brain Related Disorders Fraternal Order of Police Local Interest Modern Woodmen of America Flags Across America Woodmen of the World Goodwill, Salvation Army United Way Fraternal Order of Orioles Military Members/Breast Cancer Improved Order of Red Men American Flag/ American Way of Life Independent Order of Vikings Scandinavian Culture     Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Solomon Autonomous Grannd Priory of the United States (Knights Templar) Charities in Holy Land FRATERNAL AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS Knights of Columbus Catholic Causes Knights Templar Eye Foundation Opus Dei Catholic Causes Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem Material Objective Salvation Army Christian Outreach/Counseling Military Aid Ancient Order of Hibernians Catholic Interests/Irish Culture CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS Lions Club International Blindness Rotary International World Peace Optimist International Youth Activities Toast Masters International Personal Development Kiwanis International Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) National Exchange Club Prevention of Child Abuse Jaycees Business Skills United Way-Toqueville Society United Way Charities Civitan Civitan Int. Research Center Ruritan National FFA, 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts     WOMEN'S GROUPS Zonta International advance the status of women worldwide PTA Parent/Teacher youth involvement Hadassah Jewish Culture United Methodist Women Christian Outreach Soroptomist International To improve the lives of women and girls American Business Women's Association Businesswomen Networking VETERANS GROUPS Air Force Sergeants Association American Ex-Prisoners of War American GI Forum of the United States American Legion American Legion Auxillary AMVETS Catholic War Veterans, USA, Inc. Fleet Reserve Association Jewish War Veterans Marine Corps League National Association of Black Veterans Navy Mutual Aid Association Non-Commissioned Officer Association Paralyzed Veterans of America Pearl Harbor Survivors Assoc. Inc. Polish Legion of American Veterans, USA Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. Veterans Coalition Vietnam Veterans of America Women's Army Corps Veterans Association Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States The Military Order of the Purple Heart Sons of Confederate Veterans Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

 

 

You know, I am amazed at how many folks are either under insured or do not carry any life insurance at all.   The following is what I send out to both existing and prospective clients regarding life insurance.  

Your family depends on you.

 

So what will they depend on if something happens to you? Especially when you consider all the bills they may have to pay, like the mortgage, education costs and medical bills.

Protect your family with life insurance.

You can help ease their burden by having life insurance. It's one of the most important investments you can make-and it's not just for the future. Some policies have "living benefits" that let you borrow against your policy's accumulated cash value in case you need a little extra cash flow.

 

			Sample Term Life Insurance Rates
			Ten Year Term
Rating Class	Policy Amount				Age
		30	35	40	45	50
		Monthly Premium Summary
Male	$250,000.00	$16	$16	$20	$29	$43
Preferred Elite	$500,000.00	$16	$16	$22	$32	$50
Female	$250,000.00	$14	$14	$18	$24	$34
Preferred Elite	$500,000.00	$15	$15	$19	$27	$37
Male	$250,000.00	$23	$24	$29	$42	$65
Standard Non Smoker	$500,000.00	$28	$28	$38	$59	$85
Female	$250,000.00	$20	$20	$26	$35	$51
Standard Non Smoker	$500,000.00	$24	$24	$30	$44	$61
Male	$250,000.00	$34	$36	$54	$83	$126
Preferred Smoker	$500,000.00	$57	$58	$90	$145	$222
Female	$250,000.00	$27	$28	$40	$59	$87
Preferred Smoker	$500,000.00	$44	$45	$66	$85	$149

 

According to the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), many Americans do not have adequate life insurance protection. Perhaps, you may think you already know the facts about life insurance - so some of the statements below may sound familiar to you. But, these "facts" are actually myths. As September is the second annual observance of Life Insurance Awareness Month, the LIFE organization, in an industry-wide effort with member companies, including Allstate Life Insurance Company and Lincoln Benefit Life Company, would like to help debunk some of these life insurance myths and help to provide you with facts to consider as you review your individual situation.

 

Myth #1) Singles or couples without kids don't need life insurance. Fact: Life insurance can help provide for loved ones in the event of death, even for those without children.  For example, people in this group may carry debts that they would prefer were taken care of rather than taken out of assets left to their loved ones. Still, others may use life insurance proceeds to help nieces, nephews, cousins or siblings achieve their financial goals.  For a modest premium, life insurance can help to provide for those who are left behind. 

 

Myth #2) Life insurance is expensive. Fact: Term life insurance, which is life insurance purchased for a period of time, can be very affordable for many people.  For example, a healthy, non-smoking, 35-year-old female who has a good family health history may be able to purchase a term life insurance policy from Lincoln Benefit Life Company with a $250,000 death benefit for an average of $14.66 per month, for the first 10 years of the policy term.  Or, she may be able to purchase a term life insurance policy from Lincoln Benefit Life Company with a $500,000 death benefit for an average of $14.88 per month, for the first 10 years of the policy term.* Either way, the premiums are approximately the price of two movie tickets per month!

 

Myth #3) Stay-at-home parents don't need life insurance because they don't draw an income.  Fact: While a stay-at-home parent may not provide an actual paycheck for the household, they do provide services that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace. These include: the cost of day care, a chauffeur or taxi service, a cook and a home cleaning service to name a few. An individual life insurance policy could help to ease the burden for the family if the stay-at-home parent should pass away.

 

Myth #4) You can take your life insurance policy with you from job to job.  Fact: Typically, group life insurance purchased through an employer isn't portable - meaning if an employee leaves the job, he or she is probably also leaving the life insurance protection behind.  However, if you own individual life insurance policies purchased through an insurance agent or a financial professional, leaving a job will have no effect on the coverage provided by them.  So, in that case, if you change your job, you would still have your life insurance policy even if you no longer have employer-provided group life insurance.

 

Having a policy through an employer is also becoming a rarity.  According to a 2004 U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Employee Benefit Survey, fewer workers have life insurance benefits.  The number has declined eight percent since 1999, from a high of 56 percent to 48 percent in 2004. 

 

Myth #5) You don't need life insurance once your children are adults.  Fact: Life insurance can help achieve a goal of leaving an inheritance to children or other loved ones or help relieve the burden of paying for final costs such as a funeral or final medical bills.  

 

Don't let these life insurance myths deter you from making sure that you have adequate life insurance protection.  Take a few minutes to review your current life insurance coverage and consider buying an individual life insurance policy if you don't currently have one. 

 Well, that's all I have to say about that.  Please let me know if I can help.

Bull

It's finally over.  I got my Christmas wish.  No more political ads on the television.  Yahoo.... Now that the elections are over it will be interesting to see what our elected leaders do to fix the mess we are in.  To help build your confidence in our political system I thought you may enjoy some insightful comments and quotes from some of our elected officials.  It's my hope that after reflecting on the wisdom that we have you will find a new sense of inner peace and feel more comfortable as we collectively work together to pull our economy out of the crapper.  Just out of curiosity?  Where do I get my bailout?

"They don't call me Tyrannosaurus Sex for nothing."
Ted Kennedy

"I have often wanted to drown my troubles, but I can't get my wife to go swimming."
Jimmy Carter.

"I have orders to be awakened at any time in the case of a national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting."
Ronald Reagan.

"It's no exaggeration to say that the undecideds could go one way or another."
George Bush.

"I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them."
George Bush.

"Politics is supposed be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first."
Ronald Reagan.

"I never drink coffee at lunch. I find it keeps me awake for the afternoon."
Ronald Reagan.

"People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like."
Abraham Lincoln.

"When the President does it, that means that it's not illegal."
Richard Nixon.

"Things are more like they are now than they ever were before."
Dwight D. Eisenhower.

  "I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers We are the president."
Hillary Clinton.

"Welcome to President Bush, Mrs. Bush, and my fellow astronauts."
Dan Quayle

"We're going to have the best-educated American people in the world."
Dan Quayle

"Quite frankly, teachers are the only profession that teach our children."
Dan Quayle

"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it."
Dan Quayle

"It is wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago"
Dan Quayle

"I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have was that I didn't study Latin harder in school so I could converse with those people."
Dan Quayle

"A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls."
George W. Bush

"Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?"
George W. Bush

"You CANNOT go into a 7-11 or a Dunkin Donuts without an Indian accent."
Joe Biden

I hope you enjoyed some of these quotes and had a good laugh.  As Americans, we do have some rough times ahead but I have faith we will continue to keep our great nation moving forward. 

That's all I got to say about that.

Bull

 

I think 2008 and 2009 will be remembered as the bailout years.  If you have been watching the news you see that now our big three auto makers are looking to throw their collective hats into the bailout bucket.  The three auto makers are asking for 25 billion in loans to keep themselves in business.

These folks are just the latest of the corporate sharks who smell blood in the water and are moving in for the kill.  Now don't get me wrong, I do believe it would be a horrible thing if any of these auto makers went under.  The problem is that by supporting these auto makers and more importantly, their existing management, we send the wrong message.  By bailing out these guys we basically say we know that you made bad decisions and continued to do business as normal. 

Lets look at the other auto manufacturers who are making autos in the us.  Surprisingly, they aren't going broke or asking for bailout funds.  That being said, I have been a bowtie guy my whole life and would hate to not have a GM truck in the future but unless these guys start running these companies competitively why should we pick up the tab?  Lets oust the existing management and get some real leadership running out auto makers and keep our folks working...

What do you think?

 

 

So you liked the Dan Quayle quotes and wanted more.  Be careful what you ask for.  Here they are.  I hope they lighten your day. 

Dean

 

 

"I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have
was that I didn't study Latin harder in school so I could converse with
those people."

                 -- J. Danforth Quayle



"If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure."

                -- J. Danforth Quayle



"Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and
child."

                -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"Welcome to President Bush, Mrs. Bush, and my fellow astronauts."

                -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"Mars is essentially in the same orbit... Mars is somewhat the same
distance from the Sun, which is very important. We have seen pictures
where there are canals, we believe, and water. If there is water, that
means there is oxygen  If there is oxygen, that means we can breathe."

                -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 8/11/89



"What a waste it is to lose one's mind.  Or not to have a mind is being
very wasteful.  How true that is."

                -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"The Holocaust was an obscene period in our nation's history. I mean in
this century's history. But we all lived in this century. I didn't live
in this century."

                -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 9/15/88



"I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and
democracy--but that could change."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 5/22/89



"One word sums up probably the responsibility of any vice president,
and that one word is 'to be prepared'."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 12/6/89



"May our nation continue to be the beacon of hope to the world."

                 -- The Quayles' 1989 Christmas card.

                    (Though not a beacon of literacy)



"Verbosity leads to unclear, inarticulate things."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 11/30/88



"We don't want to go back to tomorrow, we want to go forward."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"I have made good judgments in the past.  I have made good judgments
in the future."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"The future will be better tomorrow."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"We're going to have the best-educated American people in the world."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 9/21/88



"People that are really very weird can get into sensitive positions and
have a tremendous impact on history."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"I stand by all the misstatements that I've made."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle to Sam Donaldson, 8/17/89



"We have a firm commitment to NATO, we are a *part* of NATO. We have a
firm commitment to Europe. We are a *part* of Europe."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"Public speaking is very easy."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle to reporters in 10/88



"I am not part of the problem. I am a Republican."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle


"I love California, I practically grew up in Phoenix."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"A low voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the
polls."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"When I have been asked during these last weeks who caused the riots
and the killing in L.A., my answer has been direct and simple: Who is
to blame for the riots? The rioters are to blame. Who is to blame for
the killings? The killers are to blame."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having
it."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 5/20/92

                    (reported in Esquire, 8/92)



"Murphy Brown is doing better than I am.  At least she knows she still
has a job next year."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 8/18/92



"We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 9/22/90



"For NASA, space is still a high priority."


                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 9/5/90



"Quite frankly, teachers are the only profession that teach our
children."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 9/18/90



"The American people would not want to know of any misquotes that Dan
Quayle may or may not make."

                 --  Vice President Dan Quayle



"We're all capable of mistakes, but I do not care to enlighten you on
the mistakes we may or may not have made."


                 --  Vice President Dan Quayle



"It isn't pollution that's harming the environment.  It's the
impurities in our air and water that are doing it."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle



"It's time for the human race to enter the solar system."

                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle