List of banks doomed for failure.

The government will bail out any company that goes under... right? Nope.

Luckily for AIG, the government realized that if they in fact failed, America's economy could be thrown into a downward spiral never experienced since the 1920's. As Washington decides AIG's fate, most smaller banks & companies won't be so lucky. If the bank doesn't cause the economy to tank horribly, the government won't blink. The bank will be closed.

Just look at what is happening all around you. We are still at the beginning stages of the recession, and already Bear Stearns, AIG, and Washington Mutual have all gone cur plunk. My friend, this crisis is definitely not over.

All of this raises urgent questions for you: as a saver, investor, as a business owner. How safe is your bank? What will happen to your money if your bank fails?

Here is a list of the top ten most likely big US banks to fail. The grade www.thestreet.com banks safety rating

1. Citibank NA (C-)
   
2. Wachovia Bk NA (C+)
   
3. Washington Mutual Bank (D+)
   
4. HSBC USA NA (D+)
   
5. SunTrust Bk (C-)
   
6. National City Bk (D)
   
7. Sovereign Bk (D+)
   
8. Huntington NB (D+)
   
9. E*Trade Bk (D+)
   
10. First Tennessee Bk NA (D+)
    

Now I'm not one to jump ship, nor do I suggest people to. But one thing I do believe in is being informed, especially in times like these. Know your banks reliability, and always see if there is a better bank. The banking world is dog-eat-dog, and they are extremely competitive. Although we are in a "downturn... a slow-down...a recession... having growing pains... an emergency, don't think that all businesses will go under. But yes, some will. And some of them are giants.


Personally, I recommend checking out www.bbb.com always before dealing with a bank.

Coldplay - Band or Activist?

The reality is, if a band wants to go big, and stay big, they can't just play music. They need to start a movement that will last for decades.

Only a handful of bands have been able to grasp this idea, and here are a few of them:

1. Beatles
2. U2
3. Metallica

Although these bands have completely different styles and genres, most people can agree on one thing: These bands made an impact not only in the music realm, but in peoples lives around the world. Coldplays unique niche in activists' rights set them apart from any other band... ever. Here's a little history lesson for all of you who aren't too sure how big Coldplay really is.

• Coldplay has sold a total of 36,000,000 albums worldwide as of 2008
• "Clocks" is the number one song downloaded on iTunes (almost 2x's the 2nd place song)
• Although they've massed hundreds of millions in record sales alone, Coldplay has raised over one billion dollars in an effort to fight aids, malaria, and fight for free-trade in Africa
• Coldplay still records above a local bakery in England in an apartment

Despite Coldplay's worldwide popularity, the band has remained protective of how their music is used in the media, refusing its use for product endorsements. In the past, Coldplay turned down multi-million dollar contracts from Gatorade, Diet Coke, and Gap, who wanted to use the songs "Yellow", "Trouble", and "Don't Panic" respectively.

Needless to say, it's obvious that not only the music Coldplay produces is catchy to over 97 nations worldwide, but their ideas and philosophies are their staple to keeping fans. Nobody likes a sell out, but nearly everybody likes a leader with a fiery cause.

To learn more about Coldplay, visit their website at www.coldplay.com

brycespeaks

BryceSpeaks #1

Now that I'm up here in Spokane, I kinda feel out of touch with the Haveman/Deeney family tree. So I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I've created this blog to help keep you all up-to-date with the interesting life of Bryce (I know, isn't that thrilling?). I'll e-mail you guys every once in a while when my blog is updated so you can check out all of the new and exciting things happening.

Okay, for starters:
The fall quarter has begun at SFCC (Spokane Community), but it's looking like come winter my school plans may change. Phoenix University Online is looking like a better option for what I'm wanting to pursue. Their Business Administration program is a jam-packed 2 year process that is a "Work on your own time" program so I can continue to work full time while going to school... Which is pretty awesome.

I just finished up a seasonal position at Green Bluff Fruit Ranch, and am now working at Best Buy North Spokane. Hopefully come January I'll get on full time, and be able to take part in their Tuition Reimbursement Program.

Church has been a blessing since I moved up here! Pastor Bobby Moore has really became a great friend to me. We've been working out 5 times a week together at a local gym. The worship team has allowed me free reign to help out with piano skills (Thank you Grandpa for your genes!), and allowed me to tweak the soundboard and graphics for the college services (Diane, your leadership skills are showing through me!).

All in all, it's been a great start in Spokane, and I am so thrilled to go on this journey. Leah has been swamped with homework, but she's able to take care of me at the same time, which just shows how incredible she really is. Multi-Tasking women blow my mind.... literally.


Love you all, and talk to you very soon.
Your favorite grandson, nephew, son, brother,


Bryce