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It seems that every day we become more vulnerable to identity theft. The most recent story occurred in Nevada, where some criminals broke into a driver’s license office and stole a bunch of computers. The computers contained names, ages, dates of birth, photographs and signatures of Nevada residents. The state Department of Motor Vehicles told the media that it was not a concern because the information was encrypted. But that turned out not to be true. The computer vender, which is used by 37 other states, admitted they did not encrypt information. So, who knows what the criminals will do with that information, especially since they also took 1,700 driver’s license blanks, laminate covers and the state seal. Other companies that have fouled up people’s records include Choicepoint, Lexus Nexus and Bank of America. Someone needs to be done because these outfits have been operating free of oversight and penalty. If Clark were in charge he would fine the companies that lose or accidentally give out information. They would be sure to put measures into place if they had to pay money. The most proactive states – California and Texas – allow residents to freeze access to their credit. That is what the rest of the states need to do in order to improve the situation. Retailers and banks are scared to death of the laws in California and Texas, and that is what it’s going to take to whip them into shape.

If you like buying clothes, the perfect situation is coming your way. For years, there were quotas on how much clothing one country could send to another. But that went away in recent years and, since then, the amount of clothing coming into the U.S. is up 550 percent. The Communist Chinese clothing makers have the most efficient system and the oversupply of clothes is mind boggling. Stores are figuratively flooded with clothes, so the savings will be passed on to shoppers in the States. You may not notice it yet, but clothing is becoming a smaller and smaller portion of our budget because prices are so low.

Clark despises gift cards. They are a terrible waste of money and a complete rip-off. Basically, you’re taking real American money and turning it into a piece of plastic that can only be used in one store. They’re worthless in Clark’s opinion. And a recent story in Biz Journal publications showed the “breakage” figure of Home Depot’s gift cards. Breakage is the amount made from cards that were either not redeemed or only used in part. Home Depot made $43 million in breakage profit last year. Retailers know this is a great con they can play on their customers. Starbucks sold 21 million gift cards alone last year. Clark doesn’t get it. How can giving money be cold and crass, but a gift card is fine? Give the cash or give a nice greeting card instead. It’s much safer and cost effective.

Teens and pre-teens are driving “pocket bikes” more often these days, and fatalities are increasing. ATVs (all terrain vehicles) have the same risk. Each year, between four and five young people die on ATVs. It may seem like harmless summer fun for your kids, but it’s not. Think about your child hitting concrete at 30 mph. It’s not pretty. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is trying to figure out what to do about this problem, and Clark hopes it happens fast. He’s not trying to take the fun out of life, but he wants parents to be aware of these issues.

Senior year has ended up being a very boring time for many high school seniors. As a result, many seniors around the country are spending their final year taking classes at a college. So, they’re both a high school and college student in their senior year. It’s basically finishing high school in three years, and it’s called “sprinting” through school. Clark loves this idea because it prevents young people from sitting idle their senior year, and that can prevent all kinds of problems. Some would argue that senior year is a time to enjoy friends and engage in extra curricular activities to build up a resume. But what can be more valuable than getting a taste for college before you go.

Clark has a commentary for you about Dunkin Donuts and changes in eating habits today. Only about one in 10 people buy donuts at Dunkin Donuts these days. Most people go there today for the coffee. There are many loyal DD coffee fans, so owners of stores have had to adapt. Instead of making donuts in stores like they used to, Dunkin Donuts has donuts made in a commissary and delivered to the stores. It cuts down on space/rental costs and energy costs, and it keeps the customer happy. Clark has a special fondness for Krispy Kreme chocolate glazed donuts, but he’s given them up for the most part. If you own your own business, the most important thing you can do is learn to adapt. Look at parts of your business that are not generating revenue and work on that.