I usually don’t talk about politics here, and this won’t be much of an exception. Even though the two people below are political, it’s more about their success stories. Perhaps it’s just finishing Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, but I’m thinking quite a bit how some of the most successful people got that way – despite what seems to be very long odds.
Success Thoughts
- Time’s Man of the Year – Barack Obama was the easiest slam dunk their editors ever had. I haven’t commented on it, because everyone has already said everything. I’ll just echo, What an amazing step for America!” Every time I lose faith something logical happening, something like the best man wins.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: Governator – As amazing as it was for Barack, I think Arnold becoming governor of California was a little more amazing. All evidence I’ve seen shows that Barack was always an intelligent person. Arnold was a foriegner, seemingly spoke little English, admitted to using steroids, became a classic definition of “meathead”, had a movie (Pumping Iron) where he advised, “Milk are for babies, when you get older you drink beer”, and somehow transitioned that into being the governor of one of the biggest states in the country.
This time of year, especially on the weekends, my thoughts turn to football. It’s been one of the best football seasons in some time. Here are some quick thoughts.
Football Thoughts
- Dallas Cowboys – I root for you for one game in 25 years to give a potential 11-5 Patriots a chance at the playoffs. Romo had one of the worst first halves performances that I’ve seen. Dallas’ run defense at the end of the game was even worse. Congrats to a potential 11-5 Atlanta Falcons who benefited from the game.
- NY Jets – Thanks for the poor performance yesterday. Now Patriots fans need you to regroup to give them a chance at an AFC East title.
- Patriots / Chargers – I’m not talking about last year’s AFC Championship game here, but what a weird season for these two rivals. San Deigo at 7-8 goes into the last week of the season able to claim a playoff game at home with a win. New England at 10-5 needs help to even get a shot on the road. If that help doesn’t come, and they don’t make the playoffs, I’m sure a lot of people will be predicting the end of the Patriots’ run.
- Miami / Atlanta – Amazing turn-arounds for two franchises left for dead. Is Oakland and Detroit watching… nah
Personal Finance Links
Money Writers:
- Money Smart Life offers up seven cheap foods to serve at your holiday party.
- And if that doesn’t satisfy you, Million Dollar Journey provides this frugal recipe: protein packed chili.
- My Dollar Plan writes up 17 tips for end of year tax planning.
- Brip Blap asks what if saving was stupid?
- Here are some highlights of new credit card rules written by The Sun’s Financial Diary.
- Generation X Finance says apparently I’m a Socialist for suggesting that people should save in 401(k)s and IRAs.
- Frugal Dad lists 5 ways to lower your cell phone bill.
- Digerati Life takes a look at Ponzi Scheme, The Madoff Scandal: tips to avoid becoming a scam victim.
More Financial Posts:
- Free Money Finance writes up an example of how a hobby can turn into a big income.
- Blueprint for Financial Prosperity gives 10 reasons why credit unions kick ass.
- Here are 9 tips for choosing and achieving a purpose in life by Consumer Commentary.
Thank you for the link!
i disagree on the “step for america”. on the same day we elected a black president we outlawed gay marraige in multiple states and outlawed gays from adopting as well.
maybe 40yrs from now we will have a gay president?
I agree Ryan – especially since one of those states was my own (California). I don’t typically take political sides here, but am puzzled by the backlash against gay marriage.
It seemed the best campaign that those against gay marriage came up with was that it would be taught in schools. I had pretty good attendance in school and I don’t remember marriage in the curriculum. And to be honest, I know I wouldn’t minded a life of playing wiffleball and video games with my best male friend at the time. As an eight year old, I figured that marriage is just spending a lot of together doing fun stuff as a family. Come to think of it, that’s probably not a bad description for a happy marriage for anyone at any age.
On the overall steps of America, I think it has to be looked at in historic context. I’m sure it’s of little solace to gay people, but they’ve made great strides in just the last ten years. I think a gay person could be President in far less than 40 years. I don’t have statistics to know what percentage of the US is gay, but statistically I imagine that the pool of eligible candidates is small.
It’s kind of the same reason why I’m not holding my breathe for a professional sports player to be President – it might not be because they are discriminated against, but just because of a number’s game.
As a married hetero with no gay friends (that I’m aware of) from a “traditional” midwestern state, it befuddles me that people would pass a ballot initiative to ban gay marriage.
With divorce rates hovering around 50%, I can think of several other ways to “protect” marriage.
I’m not (publicly) particularly political either – but I have a general “live and let live” philosophy. Personally, I have better uses for my spare time than trying to oppress groups of people.
You’re welcome. Blah. It’s that time of year when every Jets fan folds up their green gear and roots half-heartedly for the Giants.
And ditto on the gay marriage. Some comedian once said “why ban gay marriage? Why should heterosexual couples be the only ones to suffer?” The ban on gay marriage will be futile in the long run, just like the bans on interracial marriage were. At least that’s my hope – as a nation we need to move on.
I don’t know what’s worse, the Jets not making it this year or the Mets slipping/collapsing two years in a row.
I’ve been a reader for over a year, but will unfortunately not read another 12 months of this blog. Once you pick sides, you have to be willing to deal with the consequences.
Jeff, I always knew that was a risk when I outed myself as a Patriots fan.
I would rather read someone makes a statement rather than wishy-washily playing both sides. If the price I pay for that is losing some readers so be it.