Banmiller on Business

Starting Over

Brian Banmiller — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:03:01 -0700

The severe recession has decimated the retirement funds of many older Americans close to or actually retired. But getting back to work, or finding a new job after being laid off is tough. But if you're up for moving there are some opportunities over the rainbow. If you're looking for the best place to go for a fresh start, Business Week Magazine has put together a top twenty list to help you out. While no state is completely safe from our economy, several states including Washington, Alaska and Texas are receiving a boost from the military, energy and agricultural sectors. But besides an increase in help wanted signs the list also takes into account crime rates, decent schools and a low cost of living. read more »

An Outside Office

Brian Banmiller — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Ever fantasize about ditching that nine to five desk job for a professional golf career, sounds great but you'll have to start working even harder. At the recent Sybase Golf Classic LPGA Pro-Am I has the chance to play with some of the best women golfers in the world. During our rounds, I asked a few of them about their chosen path in life. Pro golfer Paige MacKenzie, who gave up a desk job following an internship says the constant travel can be grueling and there's a lot of personal sacrifice but she loves golf and the career it's given her. Paula Creamer known as the "pink lady" for always wearing pink while on the course agrees with MacKenzie and has some advice for anyone looking to take up golf as a career. read more »

Popped Too Soon

Brian Banmiller — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:09:25 -0700

A chance to get something for nothing can appear out of thin air. To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the Hungarian airline Wizz Air was set to release 1,000 balloons at a recent celebration. But the attempt popped too soon after the public saw what freebie was attached. Before the balloons could be released in the air over Budapest, people spied free coupons for the airline valued at $49 U-S dollars attached to the strings, and started a free for all pop and grab. read more »

Locking Up Your Life

Brian Banmiller — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:55:55 -0800

A Hero's Dismissal

Brian Banmiller — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Chasing and tackling the man who tried to rob your bank could be an act of heroism, but it could also cost you your job. Jim Nicholson was a bank teller in Seattle right up until he was fired for chasing down a would be bank robber and detaining him until police arrived. Nicholson says a man wearing a beanie cap and sunglasses pushed a backpack across the counter and demanded money. Nicholson threw the bag on the floor, lunged toward the man and demanded to see a weapon. When the man took off Nicholson chased him for several blocks before knocking him to the ground. read more »

A New Look

Brian Banmiller — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:55:55 -0800

Hostage Hoax

Brian Banmiller — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:45:31 -0700

Being in a hostage situation can certainly be a terrifying experience. But finding out later that it was all a huge hoax could make you mad enough to take legal action. And one victim did just that. New Jersey pharmacy technician Babette Perry is suing her employers for trauma she claims she suffered when a masked gunman burst into her store, demanded the powerful prescription drug OxyContin, and said he was already holding one employee hostage. But it turns out the gun was a fake, and the hold-up just an elaborate company training exercise. Unfortunately no one apparently let Babette Perry know in advance. read more »

In The Long Run We'll All Be Dead

Brian Banmiller — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Many years ago while interviewing the late great economist and Nobel Laureate Milton Freidman, he recited to me a long litany of ills weighing down the stock market, housing and the overall economy. (Sound familiar?) But back during that terrible time in the 1980’s interest rates were hovering at about 20 percent. At least today they are certainly much lower, and expected to stay that way. After we were finished, I asked the obvious question….how long will it take for the economy to recover. Without missing a beat Freidman responded, “Why worry. In the long run we’ll all be dead anyway”. It was vintage Freidman. read more »

Staying Afloat

Brian Banmiller — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:00:00 -0800

Analysts say the recession is coming to a close and while this is good news for your bank accounts there may be some left over lessons you remember. During this period of economic uncertainty you made some cuts to your lifestyle and started saving a little more for a rainy day. Well with the sun about to shine again US News and World Report says you should keep up these habits and provide yourself with a better economic future no matter what's on the horizon. read more »

Flying Ferrari Part 2

Brian Banmiller — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:00:00 -0800

Even with an economy in turmoil one company says it is flying high. The airline owners and pilots association just concluded its convention in San Jose and one concept plane caught my eye. Icon Aircraft has designed a plane for sports enthusiasts. Former fighter pilot Kirk Hawkins created the Icon A-5 and says it’s like flying a Harley in the air. Despite a price of $139,0000, Hawkins says business is booming. read more »