I just got this great email from my uncle Chris and thought I'd share it:
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Friends
I am teching a show in Washington DC, for Deloitte ( an Audit, Tax, Consulting & Financial Advisory Services firm) with Alan Greenspan (former chief of the federal reserve under Reagan, Clinton, and both Bush’s) and some of his top associates, talking about the financial turmoil that is happening right now. I am, by no means an expert on any of these issues, so here are some notes and quotes that I just typed as it was going on, FYI: 
*WAMU (Washington Mutual Banks) was taken over by JP Morgan last night. WAMU doesn’t exist anymore.
*There are no more investment banks in New York, any more.
*The 700 billion $$ that the Govt. is asking for can be used to buy bad mortgages, “or ANYTHING ELSE deemed necessary at the time”.
*All current investment and deposit (what you have in the bank today) are protected by the FDIC up to $100,000, but it is not clear yet, that any future deposits (what you put in tomorrow) and investments will be insured AT ALL.
*This industry is going to come under massive govt. regulation.
*SOME GOOD NEWS AND ADVICE: Look into the Treasury Bond market, it has the best Yield curve in the market and is a great indicator for when we are in recovery. The curve is very steep and getting steeper, which signals a potential for mid to long term recovery.
*Even though the rest of the developed world is in a recession, the U.S. Export growth in August was 20%. A good sign.
*”Neither of the present presidential candidates seem to have a very good understanding of Economics!. Obama has flip-flopped on increasing taxes, saying that might be a very bad thing in a recession. That is a good sign that he may be finally getting it.”
*This is more of a capital crisis than a liquidity crisis. Not many more banks will go under.
*The Total hole (losses) caused by this recent wave of failures is between 1 & 2 TRILLION Dollars in losses!!!
*Car loans, credit card limits, consumer credit , basic loans are being pulled back, they will be harder to get with this slow down in lending, which could cause a domino effect in more bank closures. Luckily, our banks have been well funded going into this crisis.
* Don’t be surprised if we see another Fed rate cut.
* Bottom line, Credit will get more expensive over the next year.
*These guys think that the “Polson” plan will calm the markets, but won’t really solve the bigger issues of insolvency in capital. That can only come with time.
* These guy’s personal investment strategies are to invest in many diverse investments: i.e. large cap, small cap, equity and bond, overseas. Don’t focus on the current swings in the market. Stay invested for the long term.
*THE biggest point made was: “ If the $700 billion bail-out plan is not defined by 10 pm Sunday night ( When the Japanese stock market opens) trading and money markets, auction rate securities ARS, commercial paper, short term funding, etc. will most likely be thrown into a major turmoil.” BE AWARE and keep your eye on the financial news!!!! The outlook isn’t that gloomy if our Govt. can come up with a plan BEFORE Monday Morning! “Congress cannot go home until this credit issue is resolved.”
*This crisis will end when the prices of homes stabilizes.
* Greenspan says that the Bailout is a BAD idea, but he believes an intervention needs to be put forth, to solve this credit crisis, and being a "freemarket conservative" he says that when this crisis is over, things will pretty much shake out to normal only with a lot more regulation and much higher credit rates.
* Ultimately his message ws vey positive, that we will get through this in the short term, and that the long term looks as good, if not better, that it ever has! (THANK YOU!!!)

I hope this gives you a little more insight into the current financial wrangling of our Gubberment, at least, according to these guys! Take it all with a  grain of salt and do your own fact checking before making any rash moves with your money or investments!!!

 Christopher
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Thanks Chris! That's great stuff!

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com
 

An inside source just gave me the opening dates for many of the merchants in The Village at Allen (SE corner of Stacy & 75). So, if you just can't wait to go shopping there, mark your calendars! In order to publish these, I had to swear to make note that "All dates/times are subject to change." While the dates/times for the bigger stores are pretty solid, those for the smaller stores could certainly vary by a day or two... So, with all the disclaimers out of the way, here you are:

Happy shopping!

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com
 

I'm not talking about a theater (as in a building most people associate with movies), I'm talking about a theater with theatre... where thespians act and you can enjoy it with friends and family live and in-person (all without driving more than a few minutes from your home). The Spotlight Theater is right here in Allen, TX and has an encore presentation of "Lost in Yonkers" playing at present. However, they need the support of the community... so if you love the perfoming arts, the Spotlight Theater is asking you to buy tickets and answer the question for their future: To be, or not to be (that, after all, is the question). All kidding aside, I got this in an email from a friend:
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PLEASE SEND OUT TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST AND POST FLYER WHERE EVER YOU CAN.  WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO KEEP THE THEATRE ARTS IN ALLEN TEXAS.  THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!

Spotlight Theatre Presents:
Neil Simon's - "LOST IN YONKERS"
Encore Presentation!
September 25th - October 19th
Back By Popular Demand!
For Tickets Call: 972-649-6140
www.spotlightallen.com
109-B North Greenville Ave. Allen, Texas 75002
(next door to Brookshire's on the NW corner of Main St. & N. Greenville Ave)

WANT TO SUPPORT US?  BUT A TICKET FOR THE SHOW and BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
WE ALSO NEED SHOW SPONSORS, INVIDUAL SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS and VOLUNTEERS!
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I hope you go and enjoy the show!

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com
 

The TAKS test rankings are in from the spring of 2008. Would you like to know how your local school (or district) stacks up? Check out the rankings below (additional school/disctrict info. at link below):

Key:
E = EXEMPLARY - 90% passing in each TAKS subject
R = RECOGNIZED - 75% passing in each TAKS subject
A = ACCEPTABLE -  70% passing in reading, 65% writing and social studies; 50% in math and 45% in science
U = UNACCEPTABLE - Below acceptable standards

ALLEN ISD - RECOGNIZED DISTRICT
E - ALVIS C STORY ELEMENTARY
E - BOLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
E - CARLENA CHANDLER ELEMENTARY
E - DR E T BOON ELEMENTARY
E - FLOSSIE FLOYD GREEN ELEMENTARY
E - FRANCES E NORTON ELEMENTARY
E - GEORGE J ANDERSON ELEMENTARY
E - JAMES AND MARGIE MARION ELEMENTARY
E - KERR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
E - MAX O VAUGHAN ELEMENTARY
R - ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL
R - D L ROUNTREE ELEMENTARY
R - ERECKSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
R - GENE M REED ELEMENTARY
R - LOWERY FRESHMAN CENTER
R - W E PETE FORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
R - WALTER & LOIS CURTIS MIDDLE SCHOOL
A - ALTON BOYD ELEMENARY

See more results here: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/reporting/ 

Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com
 

Keep fit with a bike tour, help fight breast cancer with "Pilates for Pink" or just relax at a dive-in movie. There's something in the coming weeks for everyone in Allen...

Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium - Natatorium Bike Tour
Starting September 29 the DRN Bike Tour takes off!  By taking any Natatorium cycling classes you will ride from Allen, TX to Sacramento, CA, a total of 1,736 miles.  You will have eight weeks to complete the challenge and with each class you will earn miles towards the destination while burning calories along the way.
Class # 23630, Mon-Thu, 09/29-11/19, Check schedule for class times, DRN, $45(members); $55(non-members)
All participants must register in advance by September 24th

Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium - Dive-In Movie
On Saturday, September 27, grab your swim suit and towel and head to Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium from 6:30-9 p.m. for a featured presentation of Enchanted. Tubes, noodles and concessions available. Advance registration preferred. Call 214-509-4770 to learn more.
   Where:
Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium - 214.509.4775
110 E. Rivercrest
Allen, TX  75002

Joe Farmer Recreation Center - Pilates for Pink
Support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Workout to help fight breast cancer by bringing a $10 donation to our special Pilates for Pink Class!  Please bring your personal check, money order or receipt for online donation of $10 or more to the class.  Make checks payable to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation or donate online at www.bcrfcure.org
Class #  23637, Sat, 10/18, 8:30AM-9:30AM, Lakeside Club House
Class #  23638, Sat, 10/25, 8:30AM-9:30AM, Lakeside Club House
   Where:
Joe Farmer Recreation Center - 214.509.4750
1201 E. Bethany
Allen, TX  75002
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Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com
 

I was looking over the September Newsletter for the McKinney Convention and Visitor's Buearu (MCVB) and I noticed that there was an event for just about everyone in McKinney this month. They have everything from a festival, to a concert, and even a movie in the park! Below is the info. from their Sept. newsletter:

Neighborhood Night at the Movies (Fridays)
The city's Parks & Recreation Department is taking the fun to city parks, featuring Pixar’s “Ratatouille” on a large inflatable screen at a different park each Friday night. And it’s FREE!

- Sept. 5—Aviator Park, 1201 Monticello Dr.
- Sept. 12—Finch Park, 302 W. Standifer
- Sept. 19—Horizon Park, 401 Flatrock Drive
- Sept. 26—Serenity Park, 6701 Berkshire Road
 
John Tesh Concert (Sept. 11)
Musician John Tesh (heard locally on KLAK 97.5 FM) performs at McKinney Fellowship Bible Church, 2801 Orchid Dr., at 7 p.m. in a concert brought to McKinney by KLAK Radio. For info, call 972-542-9755, or see the “Things to Do” page at www.VisitMcKinney.com.

Collin County History Comes Alive! (Sept. 13)
County and city founding father Collin McKinney comes to life in this joint event from the North Texas History Center and Chestnut Square Historic Village. The show is on stage at the McKinney Performing Arts Center, 111 N. Tennessee. For ticket information, call 972-544-4630.

Oktoberfest (Sept. 27)
Celebrate German culture on McKinney’s newly-renovated downtown square. Family fun as well as food vendors and beer tastings. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call 972-547-2660 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com.

Also on September's Calendar
Check the full calendar & "Things to Do" page at www.VisitMcKinney.com
- Dinosaurs Alive!- Now Through Dec. 31
- Farmers Market: Saturday mornings
- Collin County Farm Museum Grand Re-Opening: Sept. 6
- Second Saturday on the Downtown Square: Sept.13
- Third Monday Trade Days: Sept. 12-14

Save The Date! Roundup on the Range, Oct. 18
Authentic chuckwagon food and Old West music and entertainment. Check the next MCVB newsletter for details or visit www.roundupontherange.com.

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Ryan Cave, The "Caveman"
Truth, Honor & Personal Integrity
214-789-9366
www.CaveRealty.com