You May Be Surprised Just How Possible It Is !

Earthquake...Can It Happen Here ?

You bet it can....and more so here than in 46 other states according to the article entitled "Annual Shake Out Drill Thursday" in the Nevada Section of the Wednesday, October 16th edition of the Las Vegas Review Journal.

According to the article:

...only California and Alaska incur more earthquakes than Nevada.

...seven quakes of magnitude of 6.5 or greater have struck Nevada in the past century, but none has occurred since 1954.

...and WE'RE DUE !

Most people are unaware that the Las Vegas valley is SURROUNDED by a number of seismic faults, capable of producing a major quake.

...and Thursday, October 17th, at 10:17am, more than 550,000 Nevadans will participate in the "Great Nevada Shake Out", including all 315,000 public school students.

Here's a link to the article:

http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/hit-deck-were-due-earthquake

Do you carry earthquake insurance through your homeowners policy?

Most people are not aware that similar to flooding, earthquake damage IS NOT COVERED on your policy unless a RIDER is ADDED to the coverage.

Is it costly?

That's for your individual budget to determine, but one has to ask one's self...

...Is it worth $200-$300 of additional cost per year to protect an asset worth $200,000 to $700,000 depending on the value of your home ?

I do...and I carry earthquake insurance, not just for peace of mind in protecting one of my most valued assets, but because I place the cost in proper perspective.

Do you drop a couple of hundred bucks in a slot machine in a year? 

I do...and I'll bet most of you do as well. 

and...we all know those big buildings aren't built on people winning, don't we?

So...if you can "sacrifice" that slot machine a time or two over an ENTIRE YEAR...

...is it worth it.

..to protect your home from such devastation....if for no other reason...

...than your having a place to sleep each night...when you drop another two hundred bucks ????

I think so...and it doesn't cost anything to call your insurance agent to find out what it costs to add it to your present coverage.

That might be the ex-insurance man in me, but I have to admit, that in the 35 years I spent in that industry....

Never ONCE....

Did I ever have a claimant refuse to cash a check !!!!

Dick Arendt

Second of a Three Part Series

The ABC's of Cruising  (Part Two)

 

In the first article, I discussed some initial concerns, primarily where and when to go, and the merits of an inside or outside cabin as well as its location on the ship you've decided to book.

 

Next up is where to buy the cruise.

 

First, I suggest that you subscribe to discount cruise outlets.  They will send you "specials" as they come along, and sooner or later, the cruise you are most interested in, will have some kind of promotion.

 

And...if the price seems right...book it...but make sure the cruise agency offers a "lowest price guarantee".

 

"A lowest price guarantee" makes sure that IF you find a lower price anywhere prior to your making final payment, they guarantee to REDUCE your price to that amount. 

 

Many outlets will tell you about this, but in reality, YOU must bring it to their attention in order to obtain the reduction in fare.  As a result, if this option is applicable, KEEP A SHARP EYE ON THE PRICE every few days.

 

This "best price guarantee" is usually good for up to 90 days prior to the sailing...as mentioned earlier...the date of final payment.

 

As a result, DON'T PAY THE BALANCE UNTIL THE FINAL DAY IT IS DUE.

 

If you do, the "best price guarantee" normally will NOT apply.

 

...and if you see a better price elsewhere, you can always cancel the original reservation (normally without penalty, and rebook it with the less expensive outlet. Make sure you cover that fully before you book the cruise.

 

90 days is critical...and that will be covered a bit later in this article.

 

Here are some of the best internet outlets I've experienced over the years.

 

For a starting point, I suggest you subscribe to "Vacations To Go".

 

http://www.vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm

 

Though I have never purchased anything from this site, it's always been a useful barometer as to the true cost of a cruise.  They have a "90 day ticker" that offers terrific bargains on cruises sailing within 90 days of the present date.  It's a benchmark to use when searching out other avenues, and checking it OFTEN, will reap its rewards.

 

Why is 90 days prior to a cruise a critical day in getting a bargain ?

 

...for a couple of reasons.

 

First, it is normally the "last date" for full payment of the balance, and many who originally booked and must cancel, do so on that day, or lose their entire deposit; and

 

Second, because cruise outlets usually have to return any unsold cabins remaining in their inventory to the cruise company ...rather than do that, you will see last minute bargains.

 

...and "bargains" can come in different ways; either a fare reduction, or in the case of those cruise companies who do not permit discounting, will give you a little something extra to make up for the inability to discount.

 

Some might offer you "prepaid gratuities", others will give you a "shipboard credit" on any purchases made on the ship; and still others, might discount shore excursions or provide you "specialty dinners" in an exclusive restaurant on board.

 

So...the best bargains are within 90-100 days of the actual sailing. You may not get the cabin of your choice, but the cost will more than make up for it !

 

...and if none of the cabins "fit your bill", remember...you're retired and there will always be other bargains in the future.

 

These are just a few of the discount cruise outlets I have used over the years...

 

Best Price Cruises

http://www.bestpricecruises.com/

 

CruCon Cruise Outlet

http://www.crucon.com/

 

Cruises- N-More

http://www.cruises-n-more.com/

 

Cruises Only

http://www.cruisesonly.com/promotion/CruisesOnly/email/email_thankyou.asp?msg=2

 

Then...after you have your best price, use this site "to keep them honest". 

 

Cruise Compete

http://www.cruisecompete.com/

 

Cruise Compete allows you to state your preferences, and send it back to them.  Within a short time, you will receive offers from various discount cruise outlets "giving it their best shot" to earn your business.

 

In addition to these, if you are a former airline employee or retired military, there are discount agencies offering even greater discounts, often for specific cruises.

 

Here's yet another benefit....

 

No matter where you purchase your cruise...

 

... if you choose to cruise on any Carnival Corporation owned cruise line (Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Costa), and you own just 100 shares of Carnival Corporation common stock, you will also receive a special "shipboard credit" for being a stockholder. 

 

That special ADDITIONAL shipboard credit will be between $50 and $250 depending on the length of the cruise purchased.

 

So...this Part Two will hopefully give you an idea or two as to who to buy from and when.

 

If you can suggest any other discount sites, send us an email at:

 

anthemopinions@gmail.com

 

We'll be glad to pass those on to our readers as well

 

In our Part Three, we'll cover transportation and shore excursions...and how to get the best "bang for your buck" in those areas.

 

Dick Arendt

Cabinet Hinges Constantly Breaking ?

Cabinet hinges forever breaking?

Problems with Cabinet Doors ?

For full information, just click on our Information Page"

"Mr. Fix-It's World of Home Improvement"

(located to the right of the Welcome Screen)

Two New Afternoon Live Entertainment Shows....from The Vegas Voice

Vegas Voice to Debut "An Afternoon Affair" Show This Week

The Vegas Voice, in yet another dedication to the Senior Age 50+ community of the Las Vegas valley, proudly announces the debut of their new "An Afternoon Affair" shows.

TWO separate shows will be performed to bring you live entertainment with some of the best in Las Vegas entertainment.

Admission to all shows is FREE !

Four have been scheduled between October 16th and December 4th, and if all goes according to plan, beginning in January, 2014, EACH SHOW will be performed on a WEEKLY BASIS.

The first scheduled show will take place this week on Wednesday, October 16th, at Red Rock Casino, located at 11011 W. Charleston Blvd, in the Las Vegas Summerlin area. A second at that location has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th.

The host for the Red Rock shows will be well known Sinatra tribute artist, Gary Anthony.

The second show will be at Sunset Station, located at 1301 W. Sunset Road in Henderson, and hosted by former "Star Search" winner and 2013 "Lounge Entertainer of the Year", Mark O'Toole, a favorite of Sun City Anthem residents.

The Sunset Station "An Afternoon Affair" show will make its debut on Wednesday, October 30th,with a second show scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th.

All shows will begin at 1:30pm and doors will open on a first come first serve basis at 1:00pm.  The shows are expected to be approximately 90 minutes in length.

In the past Anthem Opinions has fully supported making our readers aware of the many entertainment venues available to the Las Vegas/Henderson community...for two reasons....

TO KEEP YOU YOUNG and to GET YOU OUT OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD in order to enjoy life "the way it's supposed to be enjoyed"...

...by creating Information Pages to keep you abreast as to the many options you have.

These Information Pages include:

..."Entertainment Bargains for Sun City Anthem Residents"

...Norm Johnson's "What's Up in Weekend Entertainment"

and

..."Dennis Bono Show Weekly Guest List"

And we're going to give you TWO MORE...

...."An Afternoon Affair...Red Rock Guest List"...

and

..."An Afternoon Affair...Sunset Station Guest List".

As soon as we are made aware of the guests for each respective show, we'll post them and e-blast our subscribers notification that they are available.

As both a columnist and Radio Talk Show Host for The Vegas Voice, we at the Vegas Voice want to welcome all of you to these new entertainment options in our continuing desire to be....

"The Voice for your health, wealth, and good times".

All of us hope you'll not only attend the shows, but take a few moments to say hi to all of the Vegas Voice staff as well.

See you there.

Dick Arendt

Not Receiving Social Security Benefits Yet ?

When to Claim Social Security Benefits

There are MANY residents in our community who have not started receiving their social security benefits yet.

Just when is the best time to start receiving them? 

At age 62 ?

At normal retirement age (65-67 depending on your current age) ?

At age 70 ?

Did you know each year you can wait, the benefit increases 8% ?

Did you know that depending on your income THESE BENEFITS MAY BE TAXABLE....further reducing the amount you receive?

If you are an AARP member, you recently received your October, 2013 edition of the "AARP Bulletin".

...and if you're like me, you probably "pitched" it !

But...this time, if you still have it, there is an article that is a wonderful guide to give you some ideas as to when benefits should commence...if you have not yet started to receive them. 

How does it affect you? 

How does it affect your spouse?

The article is entitled "When to Claim Social Security Benefits", and is on pages 10 and 12.

...and if that has already been collected by the garbage people, here is the link:

http://www.aarp.org/work/social-security/info-10-2013/when-to-claim-social-security-benefits.html

This one is a "keeper" and if you are one of those who have NOT YET begun to receive these benefits, I strongly advise you to contact your financial advisor to obtain an opinion that affects both YOURS and YOUR SPOUSE'S financial future.

Dick Arendt

Going to "The Horse's Mouth" Sometines Gets :Horse Apples

FSR Manager and Board Member....caught in "Pot" of Misinformation A couple of months ago in the SCA Spirit Magazine SCA President Jean Capillupo was very critical of some blogs providing “misinformation” to their readers and the blog posters should verify the information from someone in leadership that know the true facts. WELL!!!   Guess what... We wer given “Misinformation" from FSR Activities Director, Maurice  Talley, and SCA Board Member, Dan Forgeron. Maybe President Jean Capillupo should ensure that Board Members and our management company, FSR, practice what she preaches to blogger's and blog owners. Case in point... Maruice Talley was asked  what is the definition of “Potluck” vs.“Catering” for club events held in the Grand Ballroom ? He advised me that "potluck" was... "the majority of this and 75% of that". Yak, Yak, Yak. When asked where this information was written, his reply was in the Vic's Lease Agreement. WRONG!!!  “Misinformation” by Maurice Talley. His definition is not contained in the lease agreement, but we were able to retrieve a secret document from FSR Community Association Manager, Rob Feldman,  ... prepared by... Maurice Talley Dan Forgeron and Vic's restaurant owner Larry Hughes ...to restrict clubs potluck events in the Grand Ballroom and essentially force clubs to cater with Vic's restaurant.  Dan Forgeron was then asked when the "new definition" of potluck was implemented; and who authorized it... ...without any knowledge or input of SCA Charter Clubs ? ...and when all Club Presidents had received a document redefining “Potluck” to use as a guideline for club events ? His answer...It was given to Lifestyles Committee, they sent out the definition to all clubs and it is on this months agenda for implementation. WRONG!!!  “Misinformation” by board member, Dan Forgeron. At a Lifestyles Workshop Committee Chair, Ralph Saccoliti, stated Lifestyles was unaware of the potluck issue until it was brought it to their attention. “Potluck” was not on this months agenda, and they did not notify any clubs as implied by Dan Forgeron. So...it is sad... ...our Management Company, who we pay over 3 million dollars per year... and a Board Member we elected for two terms to look out for the best interests of the community...  are “misinformed", “uninformed”... or are just plain "untruthful" .

Special Guests to Explain New Afternoon Show Coming Soon

Vegas Voice Show Saturday, October 5th 

 

Join  Radio host, Dick Arendt,  this Saturday, October 5th at 7:00am and again at noon on Sunday for The Vegas Voice Show on  KLAV radio, AM 1230, on your dial.

 

Dick's Special Guests this week are Gary Anthony & Mark O'Toole, the hosts of the new "An Afternoon Affair" show sponsored by the Vegas Voice that will shortly make it's debut.

 

Also joining Gary & Mark, will be Dan Roberts, Publisher; Ray Sarbacker, President; and Sam Wagmeister, Entertainment Editor; of the Vegas Voice as they discuss this newest entertainment "bonus" provided to the "Age 50+" population of the Las Vegas valley.  

 

You'll learn about Mark's and Gary's plans for the shows, and what they have in store for you; as well as, hear the commitment the Vegas Voice has made to enhancing senior entertainment for their readers.

 

Mark your calendars for FOUR special dates...all on Wednesday afternoons from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.

 

Gary Anthony will be hosting the shows at Red Rock Resort on October 16th and November 20th. 

 

Mark O'Toole's "Afternoon Affair" will be in Club Madrid a Sunset Station on October 30th and December 4th.

 

Oh...all shows are FREE !

 

And...if you miss the broadcast, you can always download it on The Vegas Voice website.  Just go the "Radio" link, click on it, all past shows are archived for your convenience.

 

And don't forget to read The Vegas Voice, the largest Age 50+ Senior newspaper in the Las Vegas valley.

 

http://www.thevegasvoice.net/

Repairs on Heating & Air Conditioning Units Can Be Costly

Many are getting "old" and that means....don't panic, and don't be fooled.

That Heating & Air Conditioning Unit...is Getting Old

Just click on our Information Page, 

 "Mr. Fix-It's World of Home Improvement".

(located to the right of the Welcome Screen)

This One Would Have Been 's for "Teddy"

Why I Wanted the Cincinnati Reds to Win the World Series

  

You probably think this article is about baseball...but it's NOT. 

 

I'm a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, but this year I was rooting for the Cincinnati Reds to "go the distance"!  Unfortunately the Pittsburgh Pirates eliminated them.

It wasn't because I love the Cincinnati Reds, but because of a very special individual named...

 

TEDDY....Teddy Kremer.

 

"Teddy" is the batboy for the Reds, and recently, a television story was aired that impacted me so greatly, I felt I had to share it.

 

This is "Teddy"

 

...and you will see that he was born with downs syndrome...a birth defect that doesn't allow those born with the condition...

 

...to  grow up in the same manner as the rest of us, but in a manner each of us WISH WE COULD. 

 

These blessed individuals rarely know the meaning of the word ANGER, but instead, are uniquely capable of looking at the world as a place filled with LOVE.

 

And "Teddy" is no exception.

 

When Teddy was born, his parents were told that he was the victim of this genetic defect, and were encouraged to place him in an institution...

...that he would possibly never be able to walk...

...that his IQ would be severely limited...

...that life might be better off for all concerned...

... if that option were chosen.

 

But...their LOVE would not allow them to have any part of such an option...

 

...and the words "unconditional love" became words that many may use, but Mr. & Mrs. Kremer, deeply believed.

 

And so...Teddy's life began to unfold...remarkably....in a way that would become an inspiration not just for those who may be afflicted, but for everyone who ever came to know "Teddy".

 

...and through media coverage, everyone who loves baseball, now knows "Teddy".

 

The national exposure began in the spring of 2012 when Teddy's parents wanted to give him a special 30th birthday present...and with his love of sports...and the Cincinnati Reds....they won a silent auction in which "Teddy" would be the Reds batboy for a day.

 

...and when "Teddy" received the greatest gift he could have ever hoped for....

 

...it not only changed his life, but every member of the Cincinnati Reds team as well !

 

He became the inspiration for that team....so much so, that the Reds called him back to be their batboy again....

 

...and on that one day, that one very special day...April 18, 2013...a day that Hollywood will likely bring to the silver screen...something happened !

 

Just as if seeing Babe Ruth pointing to centerfield at Wrigley Field in Chicago during the 1932 World Series "calling his shot" ...and hitting a home run exactly where he pointed....

 

...it was as if a moment in baseball history was about to repeat itself.

 

Reds player, Todd Frazier, had struck out earlier in the game, but that didn't affect "Teddy". All he could say to Frazier was "That's Okay, Todd".

 

Well now, up came Frazier again, and of course "Teddy"...ever so joyful and optimistic "Teddy"...was still there with Todd's bat in hand...only this time, saying, "I love ya Todd...Hit a Home Run".

 

And you guessed it....he did !

 

This is the story of "Teddy Kremer", an 11 minute video that when you see it, you would never have rooted for any other team in the World Series this year...

 

...for one reason...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLP-pr4iCo4

 

 

 

It  would have been for "Teddy".

And Teddy, if you're out there,  take it from a Cub fan...keep the faith...

"Wait til Next Year"

 

Dick Arendt

Let Us Entertain You

As many of you know, I write a monthly column in The Vegas Voice newspaper entitled "Say What !?!".

 

Within the next day or two you will be receiving the October, 2013 issue in your mail box.

 

I hope you enjoy...

The "Look"

 

If you're a married man, you'll know exactly what I mean when I say..

 

"The Look"

 

It's that expression on your wife's face when you, the macho guy, the former breadwinner, who has taken up the many years of her life...does something DUMB.

 

There is little doubt that we guys think a lot differently than you gals.  We guys know we're always right....and you gals, constantly prove us wrong !

 

A case in point is memory...something that seems to be escaping me lately as I age.  I can remember the day in kindergarten when Billy Krueger pooped in his pants, but somehow can't remember what I wore yesterday.

 

I'd like to be a bit more specific.  Yesterday, as my wife left the house for her "pan game", she looked at me and said "Don't forget, Hugh is coming by to fix the cabinet door that keeps opening and won't close".

 

Hugh is my neighbor who can fix anything...thank God for Hugh.

 

He's always been there, and I've been deeply in his gratitude for the 8 years I've lived here; so much so, that I'm thinking of purchasing a keyman life insurance policy on him for funds I'll need to fix things if he should have the audacity of dying on me someday.

 

Allow me to digress....

 

Me...let's just say my dear dad, upon graduating from college, put his arms around me and gave me this advice," Dick, you have to earn a lot of money"; and after saying it to me three times, I looked at him and said, "Pop, where are you going with this"?  He then proceeded to tell me that "I had to earn a lot of money...because I was the most helpless (deleted expletive) in the world"...when it came to working with my hands.

 

OK...I eventually made dad proud; I made the money, but as it turned out, he was certainly right.

 

I am helpless...I would have been the caveman who would have died of exposure while trying to start a fire...even if matches would have been invented.

 

Now...my wife is another matter.  She's the Ms. Fix-It in our home. She, unlike myself, actually reads directions. I learned years ago, that us guys have no need for such trivial matters.

 

But...back to the cabinet door that wouldn't close.

 

Off she goes to the card game, and Hugh arrives to fix the cabinet. "Looks like the hinge is broken", said the mechanical guru. 

 

No problem, I knew exactly where the new ones were in the garage...until I went out to get them.

 

But...they were gone...and I knew that devious female who shares my bed, was the one who was to blame. Why didn't she leave them out for Hugh?...but she was off to her card game, and that left Hugh and I sitting there...cold beers in hand...without the hinges.

 

We both went to the garage, and we searched every inch of that 200 degree torture chamber without success...and Hugh left.

 

I thought...wait 'til the "shrew" gets home....I can blame her.

 

Well now, she finally got home; and I steadfastly snapped at her for HER forgetting to leave them out...and not tell me where SHE HAD PUT THEM...

 

...and then...

 

I got...."The Look".

 

I hate that look. I've seen it thousands of times over the last 27 years, and waited patiently for the princess to speak.

 

There were no words, just "The Look" accompanied by a finger waving saying, "Follow me, doofus."

 

...out to the garage, in front of where those damn hinges were supposed to be...was a box...a box of hinges...a box with hinges marked in MY HANDWRITING, saying "CABINET HINGES".

 

...and just a few simple words from my sweet, dear, lovely, helpful, intelligent, all-knowing (she's forcing me to write this as punishment) wife....

 

"You know what's next ???...

 

...teaching you to aim at a toilet I sit on".

 

Yes dear.

 

Dick Arendt

 

 

 

 

September 30, 1946

It was 67 years ago on September 30, 1946 that a civilized world judged the crimes of a group of men....whose actions were responsible for the saying "Man's Inhumanity to Man".

 

The Day Judgment was Served

 

Just click on our Information Page, "History & Holidays" for details on this historic date.

 

(located directly to the right of the Welcome Screen)