Scott Galloway frequently talks about three areas in life: He says that financial independence gives you the freedom to eliminate the “shoulds”. I completely agree. Being retired has eliminated all of the work related shoulds that I hated doing: The truth is, I started cutting back on all of these even while employed because I…
More F***ing Embarrassment
My predictions concerning the 2024 presidential election were a bit off. I could parse my post and point out where I was correct – or partially correct – while glossing over where I was wrong. But I won’t. I’m bad at predicting the future and don’t deny it. I’m much better at predicting the past…
Go F*** Me
Two recent tragedies sparked Go Fund Me campaigns – the LA wildfires and the murder of a coworker by the chef of a local Raleigh restaurant. Every time I see a Go Fund Me campaign, part of me is saddened by the recognition that when tragedy (or financial calamity) strikes in the US, the victims…
Homeowner’s Insurance Crisis
Anyone idiot could have predicted the California insurance crises after observing the last 10 years of climate driven disasters – hell, even I did. It was basic math for me. I witnessed (and lived) through the ongoing homeowner’s insurance crisis in Florida, driven by hurricanes, flood and wind damages. After decades of hearing about California…
Frankenstein Dating
Mel Robbins is doing the podcast rounds to promote her latest book and was interviewed on the Prof G podcast this week. I’m no fan of hers. To me, she’s just another pop-psych self-help pitching huckster like Ramit Sethi, Jay Shetty, Ryan Holiday, Huberman, et al. However, I like Prof G and was interested to…
Playing Charades
The Senate confirmation hearings for Trump’s cabinet selections are happening this week. These are a complete waste of time. The results are more predictable than the jokes in a lame sitcom. We already know what’s going to happen. In the end, Trump will get every choice approved because the Republicans have the majority. As for…
Technically No
When I started working with computers in the early 1990s, I quickly realized I had a knack for understanding technology and for making it simple for others to use. I started a lucrative side-business to install new computers and provide 1-on-1 training & support. I was good at it. My customers liked me and I…
Roger That
I have been close with two ex-military guys. The first, a former Intelligence officer for the Navy, is my longtime good friend. The second, a former Special Forces leader, was my right-hand guy who helped me build & run a sales team. I’ve worked side-by-side with dozens of ex-military men throughout my career in technology…
Fighting Losing Battles
In the Solo Podcast community and forum, there’s a fair amount of discussion about how “unfair” society is to single people (vs. married people). Frequently people post about married people receiving better insurance benefits, tax benefits, travel & lodging discounts and other preferential treatment. When I read or hear these complaints, I am tempted to…
Not My City, Not My Concern
It wasn’t until 9/11, when the planes took out the World Trade Center Towers, that I began to understand that New York City was a big deal in the US. Up until that point in my life, I never really thought much about New York. I was 33 years old and working out at the…