arnold schwarzenegger Archives - Lazy Man and Money

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.Â 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.Â I’ll just echo, What an amazing step for America!”Â 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.