Alan Markow

Professional writer and communicator 40+ years. Senior corporate communications exec in high tech, telecom, banking, and chemicals. Navy journalist during Vietnam era. IVN blogger since inception. Political views range from liberal to libertarian.

SCOTUS to out of control spenders: keep it up

Is there anyone is the United States who believes we need more money funneled into the political process? Apparently there are at least five justices of the Supreme Court who

By Alan Markow

January 23, 2010

SCOTUS to out of control spenders: keep it up

Early melt means less cool water for California

The Sierras are in the midst of a series of major storms expected to add significant depth to the winter snowpack. And in case you think that’s just ho-hum

By Alan Markow

January 21, 2010

Early melt means less cool water for California

Everyday is Earth Day for Sierra ski businesses

Corporate America embraces Earth Day for its symbolism, but California’s ski industry takes its role in the protection of our planet far more seriously. Why? Because bumps along the

By Alan Markow

January 14, 2010

Everyday is Earth Day for Sierra ski businesses

The Outsourcing of Our Health

A few days ago, a friend from San Diego called to invite me for a visit - a visit to her dentist. Bubbling over with enthusiasm, she told me I

By Alan Markow

May 28, 2009

A Veteran's Perspective on Memorial Day

Memorial Day 2009 - It's on days like this that I recall my experiences in the military and question the current direction of U.S. service. I spent

By Alan Markow

May 25, 2009

Now What Do We Do?

Now that the smoke has cleared and thepublic has spoken against all of the ballot measures that would require anychanges in taxing policies, the question before California remains: how do

By Alan Markow

May 20, 2009

Imperial County Scouting: Shoot First

Explorer Scouts: they're the top-of-the-line Boy (and Girl) Scouts, and they take on environmental programs, create charities and generally do good throughout the land. So what a surprise

By Alan Markow

May 20, 2009

They Like Us; They Really, Really Like Us

California has once again become a Favored Nation in the eyes of Washington. After eight years in the political doghouse, we have been returned to our national leadership position -

By Alan Markow

May 20, 2009

They Like Us; They Really, Really Like Us

NIMBY Thinking Everywhere

It's all about NIMBY - Not In My Backyard - thinking in California. Cut the budget, except for my sacred cow. The Sacramento Bee reports that a community

By Alan Markow

May 20, 2009

To Vote or Not To Vote; There is No Question

There is no clearer statement of the direction of any organization than its budget. Given the opportunity to impact the direction for all of California through this month's

By Alan Markow

May 18, 2009

To Vote or Not To Vote; There is No Question

Yes Means No: The Game Continues

California's citizens are again being asked to navigate the bizarre landscape of political discourse in order to make decisions that we pay our legislators to make for us.

By Alan Markow

May 13, 2009

Solar Future Dims Despite Promise of Stimulus

California'sgreen initiatives may well be aided by President Obama'sstimulus package, but for the time being, the economic collapse isputting the kibosh on many of the state&

By Alan Markow

February 14, 2009

Solar Future Dims Despite Promise of Stimulus