I love action movies...but these days I need a shorter film version each night....and I have begun watching the "Rockford Files." Yes...the ones that I used to watch when I was a lot younger...These shows seem to have just the right mix of action, romance and suspense that I need.
It was a shock to note yesterday that in Madison, Wisconsin our legislators, in order to save the democratic process itself...had to escape to Rockford, Illinois in order for rational democratic process to survive. Just the thought of leaving everything and escaping to Rockford, Illinois is a terrifying thought itself.
Friday, February 18, 2011
"Sacrifice" and "Slavery" are different
With the demonstrations in progress in Madison this week, the politicos have been busy spinning away----
There was and is a budget crisis. There will be sacrifice and cuts. Slavery or Union Busting is not required..
After every election, the politicos emerge....you know...the ones that claim that their narrow victory was a "mandate". The rush of victory seems to confuse leaders between what a "Governor" means, and what a "King" looks like.
Democratic process matters.
There was and is a budget crisis. There will be sacrifice and cuts. Slavery or Union Busting is not required..
After every election, the politicos emerge....you know...the ones that claim that their narrow victory was a "mandate". The rush of victory seems to confuse leaders between what a "Governor" means, and what a "King" looks like.
Democratic process matters.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
On Plenty, On Satisfaction, On Much, Much More
On Plenty; Or, Why a lot of a little is a little and a little of a lot is a lot; Or, a thought on parables
Phil Laut was a new age author that I had the pleasure of meeting in 1984 just after he had published his first book, “Money is my Friend.” In the beginning of this book, Phil examines the nature of “satisfaction.” In real life it is clear that some folks cannot be satisfied by the amount of money they have. Their life is a constant quest followed by the feeling of being disappointed. The question is whether the feeling or the fact comes first? According to Phil Laut, the sense of having plenty comes before the plenty itself, and also the sense of scarcity always comes before the scarcity itself. The feeling comes before the fact. Anyway, this was a pretty striking thought for me back in 1984. Being a man of action. Who would have thought that feeling had anything to do with it. Anyway.
Phil Laut's whole discussion makes me think back on the parable of the loaves and fishes. The verse goes that the crowd was fed and was “ satisfied. ‘ Now was it that the loaves and fishes were so much multiplied, or was it that in the state of peace their anxiety was reduced and hunger was taken away? From the story, one cannot say for sure. Was the multiplication of the loaves and fishes all about the feeling or the fact ? The reason I point this out is that the parables tell a story to make a point. Might the point have been lost? Lost right in the midst of doing the math.
Along with the concept of plenty, is the concept of what a “ little” is. And what a “lot” is. We often see people that want to dominate every transaction but in their enthusiasm to get every dime, make sure they fail.. The effort to dominate does not result in huge success. Thus comes the saying, "a lot of a little is a little."
On the other hand, there is the rule that “ a little of a lot is a lot.” A good example of this is the computer programmer that comes up with a novel idea of how to handle text that can be used worldwide. However, it is just a part of a larger program, a fact he recognizes. In working for the larger program success, his element gets worldwide sales and he becomes rich.
The key thing that makes this happen is an attitude of allowing others to participate in a large idea and just keep a little for oneself. The attitude comes before the reality. Feeling before fact.
I still do really like those action movies. This all does make me wonder about those loaves and fishes though.
Phil Laut was a new age author that I had the pleasure of meeting in 1984 just after he had published his first book, “Money is my Friend.” In the beginning of this book, Phil examines the nature of “satisfaction.” In real life it is clear that some folks cannot be satisfied by the amount of money they have. Their life is a constant quest followed by the feeling of being disappointed. The question is whether the feeling or the fact comes first? According to Phil Laut, the sense of having plenty comes before the plenty itself, and also the sense of scarcity always comes before the scarcity itself. The feeling comes before the fact. Anyway, this was a pretty striking thought for me back in 1984. Being a man of action. Who would have thought that feeling had anything to do with it. Anyway.
Phil Laut's whole discussion makes me think back on the parable of the loaves and fishes. The verse goes that the crowd was fed and was “ satisfied. ‘ Now was it that the loaves and fishes were so much multiplied, or was it that in the state of peace their anxiety was reduced and hunger was taken away? From the story, one cannot say for sure. Was the multiplication of the loaves and fishes all about the feeling or the fact ? The reason I point this out is that the parables tell a story to make a point. Might the point have been lost? Lost right in the midst of doing the math.
Along with the concept of plenty, is the concept of what a “ little” is. And what a “lot” is. We often see people that want to dominate every transaction but in their enthusiasm to get every dime, make sure they fail.. The effort to dominate does not result in huge success. Thus comes the saying, "a lot of a little is a little."
On the other hand, there is the rule that “ a little of a lot is a lot.” A good example of this is the computer programmer that comes up with a novel idea of how to handle text that can be used worldwide. However, it is just a part of a larger program, a fact he recognizes. In working for the larger program success, his element gets worldwide sales and he becomes rich.
The key thing that makes this happen is an attitude of allowing others to participate in a large idea and just keep a little for oneself. The attitude comes before the reality. Feeling before fact.
I still do really like those action movies. This all does make me wonder about those loaves and fishes though.
2005: The Power of Persistence, or Norwegian Wood
Norwegian Wood
Some time ago, I wrote an article about my friend, Denny, the agricultural science professor and rock star. My old roommate, Rich Ginnaty has prompted me, to relate the rest of the story.
The three of us, Rich, Denny and I had moved into the bachelor pad on the edge of Dinky Town in Minneapolis, just next to the railroad tracks. It was the fall of 1969 and it was that time of our lives when we were between steady girlfriends. Rich, who had just completed his BS in accounting and was working his first job, was for us a guru financial advisor. One evening after work, we noticed that three beautiful women had moved just next door. One especially was striking, tall, brown hair and we had heard a rumor that she was a beauty queen from somewhere up north---the really frozen tundra.
We had to ask ourselves then what three pretty commonplace guys could possibly have that might attract such fine women. Rich, ever the financial analyst had us list our assets and liabilities. Yes, we were light on cash. Yes, we had extensive financial liabilities. However, we had the musical talent of Denny and his guitar. We groaned. Alas, he knew just five songs. Quickly we went over the five. Ok. Number two was Norwegian Wood. Bingo. That was the answer.
Next we had to review our looks. They were ok, but we needed something of a “superhero look,” something that might elevate Denny from “roofers helper” to renaissance minstrel. Quickly we went over our clothing stock. There was a very large bath towel, purple. There were some white long johns and some red shorts as well as a white shirt. Quickly we put it together to form a “superman” effect.
When all the girls had gotten home from school we began singing “Norwegian wood” through the wall at first. After singing for an hour we realized that the wall was dampening our sound and it was possible that they were not able to clearly hear our plaintive message. So, we moved to the balcony. Presto. In just another 15 minutes there was a loud rap on our door.
Breathlessly we opened the door. “ Well,” the tall dark haired one said, “we will give you two choices! Either come over for coffee or we will call the police.” Bingo.
So there it is. The whole story. On persistence. On determination. On what it takes to succeed.
Even today, I always have confidence that even if the long-range memory and short range memory is failing, I will always remember the lyrics to Norwegian Wood and that may be the difference.
Some time ago, I wrote an article about my friend, Denny, the agricultural science professor and rock star. My old roommate, Rich Ginnaty has prompted me, to relate the rest of the story.
The three of us, Rich, Denny and I had moved into the bachelor pad on the edge of Dinky Town in Minneapolis, just next to the railroad tracks. It was the fall of 1969 and it was that time of our lives when we were between steady girlfriends. Rich, who had just completed his BS in accounting and was working his first job, was for us a guru financial advisor. One evening after work, we noticed that three beautiful women had moved just next door. One especially was striking, tall, brown hair and we had heard a rumor that she was a beauty queen from somewhere up north---the really frozen tundra.
We had to ask ourselves then what three pretty commonplace guys could possibly have that might attract such fine women. Rich, ever the financial analyst had us list our assets and liabilities. Yes, we were light on cash. Yes, we had extensive financial liabilities. However, we had the musical talent of Denny and his guitar. We groaned. Alas, he knew just five songs. Quickly we went over the five. Ok. Number two was Norwegian Wood. Bingo. That was the answer.
Next we had to review our looks. They were ok, but we needed something of a “superhero look,” something that might elevate Denny from “roofers helper” to renaissance minstrel. Quickly we went over our clothing stock. There was a very large bath towel, purple. There were some white long johns and some red shorts as well as a white shirt. Quickly we put it together to form a “superman” effect.
When all the girls had gotten home from school we began singing “Norwegian wood” through the wall at first. After singing for an hour we realized that the wall was dampening our sound and it was possible that they were not able to clearly hear our plaintive message. So, we moved to the balcony. Presto. In just another 15 minutes there was a loud rap on our door.
Breathlessly we opened the door. “ Well,” the tall dark haired one said, “we will give you two choices! Either come over for coffee or we will call the police.” Bingo.
So there it is. The whole story. On persistence. On determination. On what it takes to succeed.
Even today, I always have confidence that even if the long-range memory and short range memory is failing, I will always remember the lyrics to Norwegian Wood and that may be the difference.
2005: Car Care and Cardiology---a true story
Update----
Yesterday, I had to take the green Mazda in to see if
I could get the air bag sensor light to stop flashing.
It has been a very draining couple of months with car
care expenses, so I was very aprehensive. The
estimate was about $400.
After waiting two hours, I asked what was up. The
service guy said they had put in the new air bag wheel
sensor and that the codes were still flashing and that
they would have to "Check further".
I said," No. No check further, take out the new part,
put in the old and give me my car back. Further, it is
probably a diagnosis error and I want you to cut the
labor in half."
I paced in the parking lot in 90 deg heat for 45
minutes swearing, praying and wondering what to do now
that it appeared that we would never fix the car.
Indeed, God was dead. So....I said...
"Yo...God...if you are around, big guy, I would
appreciate some help here."
Ten minutes later, Sue called telling me she was
working late. I shared my total despair.
On the way home with the car, the cell phone rang.
Sue had some words from Laura from cardiology. Laura
said to fill the gas in the car to full and force all
the air out of the tank. She had heard on "Click and
Clack" that the sensors were so sensitive that this
could set them off. I filled it up. The blinking
lights on the airbag disppeared.
Does God live? Well.... I do know when we get
our best car care from cardiology, something is up.
Yesterday, I had to take the green Mazda in to see if
I could get the air bag sensor light to stop flashing.
It has been a very draining couple of months with car
care expenses, so I was very aprehensive. The
estimate was about $400.
After waiting two hours, I asked what was up. The
service guy said they had put in the new air bag wheel
sensor and that the codes were still flashing and that
they would have to "Check further".
I said," No. No check further, take out the new part,
put in the old and give me my car back. Further, it is
probably a diagnosis error and I want you to cut the
labor in half."
I paced in the parking lot in 90 deg heat for 45
minutes swearing, praying and wondering what to do now
that it appeared that we would never fix the car.
Indeed, God was dead. So....I said...
"Yo...God...if you are around, big guy, I would
appreciate some help here."
Ten minutes later, Sue called telling me she was
working late. I shared my total despair.
On the way home with the car, the cell phone rang.
Sue had some words from Laura from cardiology. Laura
said to fill the gas in the car to full and force all
the air out of the tank. She had heard on "Click and
Clack" that the sensors were so sensitive that this
could set them off. I filled it up. The blinking
lights on the airbag disppeared.
Does God live? Well.... I do know when we get
our best car care from cardiology, something is up.
On Halloween: I believe in things Seen and Unseen: Why Kids Get Halloween
One of the amazing things is how all kids really get Halloween. There is no long textbook required. Kids all around the world have some sort of celebration like this.
As a youngster, in church, reciting the Creed....maybe there were some boring parts about the liturgy, but certanly not the words, "I believe in things Seen and Unseen." Yes, that was something that I could really believe in. Something I could understand at a young age.
Some think that Halloween is just about candy, just about sugar. I don't think so. Although I will grant sugar is pretty big these days.
How come when we get older it gets so difficult? So difficult to get from the Seen to the Unseen. We think of Flip Wilson. "What you see is what you get." Was Flip Wilson right?
It seems to the Observer that there is a whole lot more we get besides the obvious. Stuff we were not counting on. For better. For worse. In fact, in the holiday season, when I go back to visit with the old chums from high school and college, it used to be so easy to separate out the beauty queens and cheerleaders from the rest; So easy to know the jocks from the nerds. Not today. Seems they all look alike. It is pretty shocking.
Seems like Flip Wilson was wrong. The kids are right. You get a lot more than meets the eye. There really is Seen and Unseen.
As a youngster, in church, reciting the Creed....maybe there were some boring parts about the liturgy, but certanly not the words, "I believe in things Seen and Unseen." Yes, that was something that I could really believe in. Something I could understand at a young age.
Some think that Halloween is just about candy, just about sugar. I don't think so. Although I will grant sugar is pretty big these days.
How come when we get older it gets so difficult? So difficult to get from the Seen to the Unseen. We think of Flip Wilson. "What you see is what you get." Was Flip Wilson right?
It seems to the Observer that there is a whole lot more we get besides the obvious. Stuff we were not counting on. For better. For worse. In fact, in the holiday season, when I go back to visit with the old chums from high school and college, it used to be so easy to separate out the beauty queens and cheerleaders from the rest; So easy to know the jocks from the nerds. Not today. Seems they all look alike. It is pretty shocking.
Seems like Flip Wilson was wrong. The kids are right. You get a lot more than meets the eye. There really is Seen and Unseen.
2005: "The Tipping Point" or Where is Harry Truman when we need him?
Recently there has been a lot of talk about the "Tipping Point" or the moment or event, whether large or small, that things change. On PBS News Hour on Friday last, David Brooks went into a long and interesting presentation on why Katrina was a tipping point, and not only that, but listed a long series of natural events that have as a result created a political earthquake. Click on the post to get the story as well as the real audio.
Specifically, he mentioned the occasion in Louisiana of a very big storm when the governer had to decide to flood some homes to save the capital. He pledged to pay for the homes and rebuild. He lied. Out of the outrage of that incident came the rise of Huey Long. The Kingfish. The fictional rendition of Huey Long is dramatized in the novel "All the King's Men," by Robert Penn Warren. One of my favorites.
If you can dust off your old copy of "All the King's Men," the opening two pages are pretty dramatic. It begins with the view from inside a limo driving in the night in Louisiana, with the headlights peering out, rolling through the night, with the powerful limo squashing all the critters that venture out on the roadway, rolling along cushioned from the reality of the ebb and flow of the real world below. It's been thirty years, and the picture is still vivid in my memory.
It is kind of sad and ironic that leaders like the Kingfish rise to power by working on the alienation of the people from their leaders and in the end, fall as a result of that same alienation.
The image of President Bush at 50,000 ft. reviewing the destruction of Katrina may also be a powerful image that may provoke a powerful political change. We shall see. Political patronage or Pork, may be a condemned routinely, in highway projects and in many areas of life, but when it permeates the survival of the country, or Homeland Security, we are in deep trouble. Thus, when asked recently whether the US can withstand another disaster or attack at this time, even President Bush hesitated and said "That's a good question."
President Harry Truman rose to fame at the end of WWII investigating the corruption of war profiteers. It would be nice if we a had him now. He could come by on one of his train trips, come through Evansville, cause I would be the first to yell, "Give em hell, Harry."
"The Tipping Point" or "How LIttle Things Can Make a Big Difference" is written by Malcolm Gladwell and is available at the Eager Free Public Library.
Specifically, he mentioned the occasion in Louisiana of a very big storm when the governer had to decide to flood some homes to save the capital. He pledged to pay for the homes and rebuild. He lied. Out of the outrage of that incident came the rise of Huey Long. The Kingfish. The fictional rendition of Huey Long is dramatized in the novel "All the King's Men," by Robert Penn Warren. One of my favorites.
If you can dust off your old copy of "All the King's Men," the opening two pages are pretty dramatic. It begins with the view from inside a limo driving in the night in Louisiana, with the headlights peering out, rolling through the night, with the powerful limo squashing all the critters that venture out on the roadway, rolling along cushioned from the reality of the ebb and flow of the real world below. It's been thirty years, and the picture is still vivid in my memory.
It is kind of sad and ironic that leaders like the Kingfish rise to power by working on the alienation of the people from their leaders and in the end, fall as a result of that same alienation.
The image of President Bush at 50,000 ft. reviewing the destruction of Katrina may also be a powerful image that may provoke a powerful political change. We shall see. Political patronage or Pork, may be a condemned routinely, in highway projects and in many areas of life, but when it permeates the survival of the country, or Homeland Security, we are in deep trouble. Thus, when asked recently whether the US can withstand another disaster or attack at this time, even President Bush hesitated and said "That's a good question."
President Harry Truman rose to fame at the end of WWII investigating the corruption of war profiteers. It would be nice if we a had him now. He could come by on one of his train trips, come through Evansville, cause I would be the first to yell, "Give em hell, Harry."
"The Tipping Point" or "How LIttle Things Can Make a Big Difference" is written by Malcolm Gladwell and is available at the Eager Free Public Library.
Just an Average Day
All the regular workers see the benefit of higher wages to themselves,
All the teachers see the benefits of more education,
All the sellers of widgets see the benefits of more widgets to save the world,
All the government workers see the benefit of higher benefits for themselves to serve others,
All the doctors see the urgency of raising reimbursement to better serve others,
All the oil executives see the glory in rising oil prices to better serve the energy needs of a growing economy,
All the stockbrokers see the wonder of serving more clients who own more and more stocks to turn over faster and faster as things go up and down,
And then all the other little people who are hoping that after all the above get what they need and deserve--- that...maybe..they will get some crumbs off the table,
It's just an average day....
All the teachers see the benefits of more education,
All the sellers of widgets see the benefits of more widgets to save the world,
All the government workers see the benefit of higher benefits for themselves to serve others,
All the doctors see the urgency of raising reimbursement to better serve others,
All the oil executives see the glory in rising oil prices to better serve the energy needs of a growing economy,
All the stockbrokers see the wonder of serving more clients who own more and more stocks to turn over faster and faster as things go up and down,
And then all the other little people who are hoping that after all the above get what they need and deserve--- that...maybe..they will get some crumbs off the table,
It's just an average day....
2005: How Stories are Written; The Rest of the Story
One famous radio commentator, I think it was Paul Harvey, used to tell his news but leave out the key part till the very end, and reveal it as the "rest of the story." I was reflecting recently on how we get used to the stories being written. I remember in college, the 8am Sociology class in the Winter term. The large Johnson Hall lecture hall was warm. The prof would begin the lecture by announcing the topic and note that at the end of the lecture there would be plenty of time for questions. After 50 minutes, the bell would ring and he would say, " Well, I guess there is no time for questions." There never was.
After a while, we kind of got used to it. It was warm and cosy. He seemed to revel in pontificating. He seemed so sure of himself listening to himself talk. Why wreck a wonderful start to the day with a question?
Then I was assigned to David W. Noble for History for a course in my senior year. In addition to the lecture, there was a study group of 7 students that met at his home on Tuesday nights. David was a veteran who had suffered a back injury in the war, and he was able to stand for one hour max. So, when he was at home, he had to lay on his back most of the time. And for the class, he lay on his back on the floor with the students on chairs around the room, and he went from one to the next and asked what they thought about various aspects of the books assigned.
Prof Noble would start with an idea, and the students would go around the room and elaborate on it or debate about it among themselves. After just a few classes at his home, it was real hard to go back to sleeping in the lecture hall. The debates that we had, I still remember. The clash of ideas became a very real and exciting thing. My attitude about what teaching could be changed big time.
In a traditional newspaper, the reporter writes and you read. In the blog, I begin the thought and you the reader shape it and complete it. Big difference. Some government types have labeled questions from the public "misinformation." Excuse me. We are all writing the story. The whole community. Not just one. Not just me. Not just you.
Writing together the stories of our community requires something more than merely turning pages. It requires involvement, thoughtfullness and a willingness to be responsible for our thoughts. Willingness to speak and ....listen. So...
I have eliminated the anonymous comment feature and all comments on the blog will require you to register with a name or "Handle" and a password. You will be tracked by your ISP identification and will be responsible and accountable for your views. I will block any user that indulges in slander. We will stick to the issues and have fun on the blog as well.
It is too late to go back to the lecture hall. There are plenty of papers to read in this world that require nothing of YOU for participation. Buy one at your leisure. I only start the story. You all finish it. Different deal.
Posted by Evansville Observer at 7:09 AM
After a while, we kind of got used to it. It was warm and cosy. He seemed to revel in pontificating. He seemed so sure of himself listening to himself talk. Why wreck a wonderful start to the day with a question?
Then I was assigned to David W. Noble for History for a course in my senior year. In addition to the lecture, there was a study group of 7 students that met at his home on Tuesday nights. David was a veteran who had suffered a back injury in the war, and he was able to stand for one hour max. So, when he was at home, he had to lay on his back most of the time. And for the class, he lay on his back on the floor with the students on chairs around the room, and he went from one to the next and asked what they thought about various aspects of the books assigned.
Prof Noble would start with an idea, and the students would go around the room and elaborate on it or debate about it among themselves. After just a few classes at his home, it was real hard to go back to sleeping in the lecture hall. The debates that we had, I still remember. The clash of ideas became a very real and exciting thing. My attitude about what teaching could be changed big time.
In a traditional newspaper, the reporter writes and you read. In the blog, I begin the thought and you the reader shape it and complete it. Big difference. Some government types have labeled questions from the public "misinformation." Excuse me. We are all writing the story. The whole community. Not just one. Not just me. Not just you.
Writing together the stories of our community requires something more than merely turning pages. It requires involvement, thoughtfullness and a willingness to be responsible for our thoughts. Willingness to speak and ....listen. So...
I have eliminated the anonymous comment feature and all comments on the blog will require you to register with a name or "Handle" and a password. You will be tracked by your ISP identification and will be responsible and accountable for your views. I will block any user that indulges in slander. We will stick to the issues and have fun on the blog as well.
It is too late to go back to the lecture hall. There are plenty of papers to read in this world that require nothing of YOU for participation. Buy one at your leisure. I only start the story. You all finish it. Different deal.
Posted by Evansville Observer at 7:09 AM
The Odds of Being "Right" and Other mysteries (2005) Nostalgia
Some years ago, I worked as a registered representative for E.F. Hutton, in the Madison office. Yes, it was always reassuring to work for a company that had as its slogan, " When E.F. Hutton speaks, people listen."
In this office were competitive and hard working brokers. In fact, overworking brokers. It was hard not thinking of the business 24 hours a day. Mornings began about 7:30am with the telephone report from New York and ended after dinners of pizza, pizza and pizza, and cold calling new prospective clients about investment ideas.
There was one exception to all the brokers. His name was Bruce. Bruce came in when he pleased. He drove a BMW. He had a beautiful wife. He met his clients like a physician would a patient. Sometimes he would not come in to work at all! And when he did come back he would be all tan and tell us of a wonderful trip. He seemed very relaxed all the time. He seemed able to laugh at things that all of us did not think were too funny. All of the other brokers were not pleased with Bruce. It seemed totally unfair.
At this time, I had two young daughters, 5yr. and 3yr, and was working about 60 hrs a week and it occurred to me that Bruce knew something that I did not. So, one day I went in and simply asked him, " Bruce, how do you do it. I just don't understand?"
He smiled and said, " Well, you must understand that everyone here is very bright and has good ideas. But even so, if you honestly plot your ideas and hold the record for a month, you will discover that you will be right only 50% of the time. Try it and you will see. Being bright is not enough. My secret is that I plan on being wrong and use options to prepare for it. He then proceeded to show me on a $1,000,000 investment for his clients how he had protected the investment from the possiblity that he could be wrong. Then he smiled and laughed.
I have never forgot the lesson that Bruce taught me, nor the BMW, the model wife and the style of work that Bruce enjoyed. The crash of 1987 came. Bruce did just fine. His clients were protected. He went on to be a very successful mutual fund manager.
I tell this story for those on the comment line. The good news is that we keep the comments online for review for a year. The bad news is that we keep the comments online for a year.
E.F. Hutton thought it knew so much. In a heartbeat when the market plunged 500 points it was over. Instantly. On the phone from New York, senior staff were urging brokers not to jump from windows, but to get some perspective on what they valued in life. I was in Madison. On the first floor. No place to jump.
As you comment on the blog calculate the possiblity that you might be right? Might be wrong? What are the odds? Is it better than Babe Ruth? Is it better than 50%. Plan accordingly.
In this office were competitive and hard working brokers. In fact, overworking brokers. It was hard not thinking of the business 24 hours a day. Mornings began about 7:30am with the telephone report from New York and ended after dinners of pizza, pizza and pizza, and cold calling new prospective clients about investment ideas.
There was one exception to all the brokers. His name was Bruce. Bruce came in when he pleased. He drove a BMW. He had a beautiful wife. He met his clients like a physician would a patient. Sometimes he would not come in to work at all! And when he did come back he would be all tan and tell us of a wonderful trip. He seemed very relaxed all the time. He seemed able to laugh at things that all of us did not think were too funny. All of the other brokers were not pleased with Bruce. It seemed totally unfair.
At this time, I had two young daughters, 5yr. and 3yr, and was working about 60 hrs a week and it occurred to me that Bruce knew something that I did not. So, one day I went in and simply asked him, " Bruce, how do you do it. I just don't understand?"
He smiled and said, " Well, you must understand that everyone here is very bright and has good ideas. But even so, if you honestly plot your ideas and hold the record for a month, you will discover that you will be right only 50% of the time. Try it and you will see. Being bright is not enough. My secret is that I plan on being wrong and use options to prepare for it. He then proceeded to show me on a $1,000,000 investment for his clients how he had protected the investment from the possiblity that he could be wrong. Then he smiled and laughed.
I have never forgot the lesson that Bruce taught me, nor the BMW, the model wife and the style of work that Bruce enjoyed. The crash of 1987 came. Bruce did just fine. His clients were protected. He went on to be a very successful mutual fund manager.
I tell this story for those on the comment line. The good news is that we keep the comments online for review for a year. The bad news is that we keep the comments online for a year.
E.F. Hutton thought it knew so much. In a heartbeat when the market plunged 500 points it was over. Instantly. On the phone from New York, senior staff were urging brokers not to jump from windows, but to get some perspective on what they valued in life. I was in Madison. On the first floor. No place to jump.
As you comment on the blog calculate the possiblity that you might be right? Might be wrong? What are the odds? Is it better than Babe Ruth? Is it better than 50%. Plan accordingly.
2005: "Where Does Your Fist Go When You Open your Hand?" A Reflection on Words and the real world.
One of my favorite Zen sayings is " Where does your fist go when you open your hand?" This always provoked a long discussion from my kids and usually ended by them asking if I could please refrain from any more mind teasers.
Yet, there really is a difference between words, common words, and the thing itself. Take one of the big ones, for example, the word "freedom." We thank the stars each day that we are "free," free to speak, and free to act legally for our own benefit without retribution.
We thank the stars that we have a "free" press, even though some may feel unfree about voicing an opinion in writing or in public. Hence, some may always ask others what is the appropriate thing to think, if the right and proper view is not obvious. To have a "free" press that is not paid for is somehow upsetting.
"Independence" is another biggie. If one did not have an independent press, how independent could a people be? Being from the heartland, many pride themselves with their independence. I wonder what they mean by the word. If not able to express an independent view, how independent could they be?
Maybe the fist and the hand are really the same here. Maybe there is really nothing "free" or "independent" about it. You make the call.
Posted by Evansville Observer at 10:30 AM
Yet, there really is a difference between words, common words, and the thing itself. Take one of the big ones, for example, the word "freedom." We thank the stars each day that we are "free," free to speak, and free to act legally for our own benefit without retribution.
We thank the stars that we have a "free" press, even though some may feel unfree about voicing an opinion in writing or in public. Hence, some may always ask others what is the appropriate thing to think, if the right and proper view is not obvious. To have a "free" press that is not paid for is somehow upsetting.
"Independence" is another biggie. If one did not have an independent press, how independent could a people be? Being from the heartland, many pride themselves with their independence. I wonder what they mean by the word. If not able to express an independent view, how independent could they be?
Maybe the fist and the hand are really the same here. Maybe there is really nothing "free" or "independent" about it. You make the call.
Posted by Evansville Observer at 10:30 AM
2005: Nostalgia: " X-19"
As an Evansville regular of the library, you may notice the silver Honda with the license plate, X19, each morning and you may notice an older gentleman in a burgundy french beret cap. Like clockwork, he enters the library and approaches the circulation department each morn----- "Good morning ladies." " How is everyone this fine morning." "We're just fine, Don How are you this morning? You are a little late."..........
Evansville's X19 has a long history as a WWII veteran and a car dealer in Evansville. .....
During WWII, on the island of Okinawa, X19 served first as a PX manager, and later when the military learned about his ability to take and develop film, as a forward observer. Located very close to the Japanese lines, his job was to telephone, and quickly, the adjustments for Allied artillery. Avoiding detection was survival. This was the third of his landings. First there was Kiska, then Saipai.. The next one, the one he already had his number for, was the landing on Japan. " We were all dead, and we knew it, he said. " We knew the reputation of the resistance in Japan, that all those on the Japan landings would be history."
After the A-bomb, and the end of the war, X19 returned home to Evansville. There was a long tradition in the automobile business in the family. His step- grandfather had been the first Ford dealer in the State of Wisconsin. His father was the sales manager of the Ford dealership in Evansville, located where the roller rink is now today. X19 began to work in the Evansville dealership. After X19's son returned from the Vietnam war, they got to chatting one afternoon about the car business. The son said he really didn't like the business. X19 said, " Well, that make's two of us. I have been frustrated with it for years and only kept it for you. In fact, Ford had a v8 in 1937 with 60 and 85 HP that got 35mpg, but preferred the big, gas guzzlers that were unreliable. I have never forgiven them for that. It was a big mistake. Let's sell the business." And he did. He is now on his 5th Honda.
When he sold the dealership number 19, he changed his license to X19. He got the idea from the governor of Wisconsin, who had number 1 on his license plate, and then when he left office, took the number X1.
In the years since, X19 has served 30 years on the library board, as well as 30 years on the Board of Review.
I have mentioned in an earlier post on "How to sculpt a David," that the key to creating things is knowing what one does NOT want to become. Carving out the unwanted really defines a person. What caused the gift of length of years Don has been given?--87 1/2. It is all right there on the license plate...... X19.
As you enter the library this halloween, you might sense the spirit of X19, the spirit of Don Thompson. His spirit of service lives.
Evansville's X19 has a long history as a WWII veteran and a car dealer in Evansville. .....
During WWII, on the island of Okinawa, X19 served first as a PX manager, and later when the military learned about his ability to take and develop film, as a forward observer. Located very close to the Japanese lines, his job was to telephone, and quickly, the adjustments for Allied artillery. Avoiding detection was survival. This was the third of his landings. First there was Kiska, then Saipai.. The next one, the one he already had his number for, was the landing on Japan. " We were all dead, and we knew it, he said. " We knew the reputation of the resistance in Japan, that all those on the Japan landings would be history."
After the A-bomb, and the end of the war, X19 returned home to Evansville. There was a long tradition in the automobile business in the family. His step- grandfather had been the first Ford dealer in the State of Wisconsin. His father was the sales manager of the Ford dealership in Evansville, located where the roller rink is now today. X19 began to work in the Evansville dealership. After X19's son returned from the Vietnam war, they got to chatting one afternoon about the car business. The son said he really didn't like the business. X19 said, " Well, that make's two of us. I have been frustrated with it for years and only kept it for you. In fact, Ford had a v8 in 1937 with 60 and 85 HP that got 35mpg, but preferred the big, gas guzzlers that were unreliable. I have never forgiven them for that. It was a big mistake. Let's sell the business." And he did. He is now on his 5th Honda.
When he sold the dealership number 19, he changed his license to X19. He got the idea from the governor of Wisconsin, who had number 1 on his license plate, and then when he left office, took the number X1.
In the years since, X19 has served 30 years on the library board, as well as 30 years on the Board of Review.
I have mentioned in an earlier post on "How to sculpt a David," that the key to creating things is knowing what one does NOT want to become. Carving out the unwanted really defines a person. What caused the gift of length of years Don has been given?--87 1/2. It is all right there on the license plate...... X19.
As you enter the library this halloween, you might sense the spirit of X19, the spirit of Don Thompson. His spirit of service lives.
July 2005: Pension Crisis Looms: Why United Airlines Crisis matters
Since September 11, there has been a wide range of articles about the crisis that has confronted the airline industry. Anyone who has travelled by air knows that the world has changed big time for travellers. Airlines seem to be losing money on each ticket but trying to make it up in volume....something that any business owner could tell them is bad business...but they persist.
A week ago, the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation), a federal agency that insures the pension benefits of companies, took over the pension liabilities of United Airlines 123000 employees and retirees in the U.S. The problem is that this agency is 23 billion in the red at the current time and in poor shape to handle all the potential claims of the 20% of Americans that have defined benefit pension plans, plans that corporations have an incentive to avoid through the bankruptcy process since they are usually the ones that are underfunded.
You may have thought this was just a problem at United Airlines. Wrong. It is a problem for every American who has a pension. The article titled "Pension Fury" or "Pension Roulette" by Tim Grey in the AARP Bulletin this month is a good article that explains what this crisis could mean for you. Click on the post title to access the article.(www.aarp.org/bulletin)
The question I have is "Has deregulation really worked?" The regulated system for airlines had capital requirements for maintainance, pensions etc., but with the free for all market place, the public is not guaranteed that the essentials are covered. How about energy? or telephone? Are you any better off haveing 10,000 providers for long distance calling you for quotes on your long distance? How about the stock market? Now we have a totally transaction system where the system is designed to exploit not serve.
So, is this a a pension crisis at United or is it more---- a deep crisis of deregulation of industries that are in the public interest and should have SOME minimium level of regulation, and more than at present. What is your call?
A week ago, the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation), a federal agency that insures the pension benefits of companies, took over the pension liabilities of United Airlines 123000 employees and retirees in the U.S. The problem is that this agency is 23 billion in the red at the current time and in poor shape to handle all the potential claims of the 20% of Americans that have defined benefit pension plans, plans that corporations have an incentive to avoid through the bankruptcy process since they are usually the ones that are underfunded.
You may have thought this was just a problem at United Airlines. Wrong. It is a problem for every American who has a pension. The article titled "Pension Fury" or "Pension Roulette" by Tim Grey in the AARP Bulletin this month is a good article that explains what this crisis could mean for you. Click on the post title to access the article.(www.aarp.org/bulletin)
The question I have is "Has deregulation really worked?" The regulated system for airlines had capital requirements for maintainance, pensions etc., but with the free for all market place, the public is not guaranteed that the essentials are covered. How about energy? or telephone? Are you any better off haveing 10,000 providers for long distance calling you for quotes on your long distance? How about the stock market? Now we have a totally transaction system where the system is designed to exploit not serve.
So, is this a a pension crisis at United or is it more---- a deep crisis of deregulation of industries that are in the public interest and should have SOME minimium level of regulation, and more than at present. What is your call?
Leaving on a Jet Plane, and other leavings Reviewed
Leaving on a Jet Plane and other Leavings
Graduation has created a furor in our home---I just asked the simple question " What would be a good book to give the graduate?" My daughter has replied, "Dad, please. The kids don't need to be uplifted, they just want to leave."
Yup, that must be the reason that "Leaving on a Jet Plane" is so popular for lead singers this time of year, as well as "Mustang Sally,". As I reflected on it, I had to admit that when I was 18, my favorite songs were "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Surfer Girl" by the Beach Boys. Whatever social or automotive problems I had in Minnesota during those years could be simply solved by a plane ticket. Yes, Ford Falcon reality could be instant dune buggy. If you lived in Lake Wobegon or any town in Minnesota, with the cold, dark winters, you understand the Surfer Girl thing. but I digress.
The solution---In honor of the late Ann Bancroft, give the graduate " The Graduate." For youself, buy a good uplifting book. My wife's favorite is "The Purpose Driven Life," by Rick Warren. For my Zen fans, you may like " Sidhartha," by Herman Hesse.
If you are reading this post, the plane ticket did not work. You may have a suggestion on what to do now. What book might be good. A person once suggested to me that when a child leaves, the parent goes over his/her own leaving. It is probably more important for the parent to receive the book than the graduate. You make the call.
Posted by Evansville Observer at 9:05 AM
Graduation has created a furor in our home---I just asked the simple question " What would be a good book to give the graduate?" My daughter has replied, "Dad, please. The kids don't need to be uplifted, they just want to leave."
Yup, that must be the reason that "Leaving on a Jet Plane" is so popular for lead singers this time of year, as well as "Mustang Sally,". As I reflected on it, I had to admit that when I was 18, my favorite songs were "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Surfer Girl" by the Beach Boys. Whatever social or automotive problems I had in Minnesota during those years could be simply solved by a plane ticket. Yes, Ford Falcon reality could be instant dune buggy. If you lived in Lake Wobegon or any town in Minnesota, with the cold, dark winters, you understand the Surfer Girl thing. but I digress.
The solution---In honor of the late Ann Bancroft, give the graduate " The Graduate." For youself, buy a good uplifting book. My wife's favorite is "The Purpose Driven Life," by Rick Warren. For my Zen fans, you may like " Sidhartha," by Herman Hesse.
If you are reading this post, the plane ticket did not work. You may have a suggestion on what to do now. What book might be good. A person once suggested to me that when a child leaves, the parent goes over his/her own leaving. It is probably more important for the parent to receive the book than the graduate. You make the call.
Posted by Evansville Observer at 9:05 AM
2005: Errors Cost You Money: Nostalgia
Errors Cost You Money"
Many years ago, I was a financial consultant for a major Wall Street firm. Shortly after passing my Series 7 Exam, I was working a public offering for a new series of bond funds, which were in fashion at the time. It was just before lunch. I had a stack of "tickets" or orders and carried them to "the wire", which is what we called the teletype operator that sent the orders to New York. As I presented the orders to the operator, I noticed on the very bottom of each ticket the words:
"Errors cost you money."
Just then the branch manager, who was excited about the effort of everyone during that week, offered to buy lunch at the local pizza place. I thought that was a wonderful idea. On the way over to the pizza place, I asked him, " What's the deal with the "Errors cost you money," on the bottom of every ticket."
"Well," he smiled, "If there is a stock symbol error or quantity error on the ticket, and the stock has to be sold out to remedy the error, the difference due to the error is taken from your paycheck. Also, if someone promises to pay for something.....and then does not.....and the stock or bond has to be sold......the difference is taken from your paycheck."
"What if someone lies," I asked.
"You have to hear and know the customer," he replied. "That is your first responsibility. Don't worry; You will learn quickly."
He was right. When lies cost you money, and the money comes out of one's paycheck....one learns quickly....to hear quite precisely.
This is what all bankers call the "Know Your Customer Rule." It is the very first rule of banking. In a small town, it is pretty easy. On the telephone it gets harder.
In the recent Evansville School Board Forum, Tris Lahti was heard to remark that "Who cares if we built a few too many sports facilities and the numbers are a little out of line with our peers."
Who cares?
One has to care because errors in planning cost everyone---taxpayers....students...parents...business....and teachers.......
The reason that it is important to involve the community in any decision about our schools is that we have a huge stake in the plan. Conflict of interest, whether it is in the form of an architectual firm who gets fees for building doing the planning..........or in the form of board candidates who have relatives on the school district payroll....is a detriment to objective review of our community needs.
Now more than ever, we in Evansville need experienced citizens who are committed to avoiding conflict of interest to run for our Evansville School Board. That is why I am running. I do need your vote on April 3rd. Every vote will count. It is spring break. Don't forget to vote.
Many years ago, I was a financial consultant for a major Wall Street firm. Shortly after passing my Series 7 Exam, I was working a public offering for a new series of bond funds, which were in fashion at the time. It was just before lunch. I had a stack of "tickets" or orders and carried them to "the wire", which is what we called the teletype operator that sent the orders to New York. As I presented the orders to the operator, I noticed on the very bottom of each ticket the words:
"Errors cost you money."
Just then the branch manager, who was excited about the effort of everyone during that week, offered to buy lunch at the local pizza place. I thought that was a wonderful idea. On the way over to the pizza place, I asked him, " What's the deal with the "Errors cost you money," on the bottom of every ticket."
"Well," he smiled, "If there is a stock symbol error or quantity error on the ticket, and the stock has to be sold out to remedy the error, the difference due to the error is taken from your paycheck. Also, if someone promises to pay for something.....and then does not.....and the stock or bond has to be sold......the difference is taken from your paycheck."
"What if someone lies," I asked.
"You have to hear and know the customer," he replied. "That is your first responsibility. Don't worry; You will learn quickly."
He was right. When lies cost you money, and the money comes out of one's paycheck....one learns quickly....to hear quite precisely.
This is what all bankers call the "Know Your Customer Rule." It is the very first rule of banking. In a small town, it is pretty easy. On the telephone it gets harder.
In the recent Evansville School Board Forum, Tris Lahti was heard to remark that "Who cares if we built a few too many sports facilities and the numbers are a little out of line with our peers."
Who cares?
One has to care because errors in planning cost everyone---taxpayers....students...parents...business....and teachers.......
The reason that it is important to involve the community in any decision about our schools is that we have a huge stake in the plan. Conflict of interest, whether it is in the form of an architectual firm who gets fees for building doing the planning..........or in the form of board candidates who have relatives on the school district payroll....is a detriment to objective review of our community needs.
Now more than ever, we in Evansville need experienced citizens who are committed to avoiding conflict of interest to run for our Evansville School Board. That is why I am running. I do need your vote on April 3rd. Every vote will count. It is spring break. Don't forget to vote.
2005: Nostalgia: Differences as An Asset: Dialogue as Strength
My sister, Susie, is an executive in a large firm in a large metro area. On their website, one of the strategies written about is "Leveraging Our Differences" to achieve corporate success.
I teased her about this saying, " Susie, I normally leverage my assets, not my differences." " Well'" she replied, " That is exactly the point," "They are assets." She went on, "Our market is folks who speak 10 languages from all over the world. We need every bit of difference in our staff just to deliver our service in an understanding way. So, differences are a strength for us, and a key way of seeing ourselves."
Over the past couple months on this blog, we have had an open discussion and it has revealed differences, some deep, some not. The differences can be seen as strength or weakness. The open discussion can be seen as strength or weakness. I see both as strength and salute those in the city, such as Mr. Connors, who have engaged citizens in the dialogue. I salute those citizens who have participated. Now we need each one to tell one more person so the discussion can grow. And the strength can grow. Yes, kinda like weight training
I teased her about this saying, " Susie, I normally leverage my assets, not my differences." " Well'" she replied, " That is exactly the point," "They are assets." She went on, "Our market is folks who speak 10 languages from all over the world. We need every bit of difference in our staff just to deliver our service in an understanding way. So, differences are a strength for us, and a key way of seeing ourselves."
Over the past couple months on this blog, we have had an open discussion and it has revealed differences, some deep, some not. The differences can be seen as strength or weakness. The open discussion can be seen as strength or weakness. I see both as strength and salute those in the city, such as Mr. Connors, who have engaged citizens in the dialogue. I salute those citizens who have participated. Now we need each one to tell one more person so the discussion can grow. And the strength can grow. Yes, kinda like weight training
Friday, February 11, 2011
"Riding With the King":
Some time ago, my brother, Denis, introduced me to the John Hiatt version of the BB King song, "Riding with the King." There sure are lots of versions of the song and you can see many of them on Utube.
In Panama City Beach, Florida recently there was a planned movie photoshoot at an upscale, very upscale walkable neighborhood, and the owners of the hotel there mentioned it to us that we might want to come to be extras etc. for the shoot. Wow. What an opportunity.
It was the event that never happened. Nobody showed up. There I was left to pose with Elvis...just the two of us to carry on the party.
It left me with the notion that walkable neighborhoods cannot be faked. There has to be an essential need for people to live in community, and not just an offshoot of some real estate con.
Most of the folks at our condo area were from Minnesota and Canada--hence I switched to my Minnesota hat. There are lots of parties for both Badgers and Gophers in Panama City----It was somethig I was not expecting.
In Panama City Beach, Florida recently there was a planned movie photoshoot at an upscale, very upscale walkable neighborhood, and the owners of the hotel there mentioned it to us that we might want to come to be extras etc. for the shoot. Wow. What an opportunity.
It was the event that never happened. Nobody showed up. There I was left to pose with Elvis...just the two of us to carry on the party.
It left me with the notion that walkable neighborhoods cannot be faked. There has to be an essential need for people to live in community, and not just an offshoot of some real estate con.
Most of the folks at our condo area were from Minnesota and Canada--hence I switched to my Minnesota hat. There are lots of parties for both Badgers and Gophers in Panama City----It was somethig I was not expecting.
What is your Cost Basis? For Education? For Energy?
Energy: Stocks; Reflection: What is your COST BASIS?"
Every family that is going through the "Graduation" process this spring, has to reflect on the "Cost Basis" of that achievement-----this is always noted in the graduation speeches...and maybe the grads know what is being talked about, but surely the parents do...all the sacrifice...all the loans to be paid back...and all the hopes to be realized ...maybe...
The very same thing is present in energy----Do you know what the COST BASIS of a stock your have held ...well....forever...is? It is not enough to say to the IRS that you do not remember....trust me....you do need to know. DITTO for ENERGY ----
What is the cost basis for the first therm of nuclear energy? ANSWER---we do not know yet.
Every family that is going through the "Graduation" process this spring, has to reflect on the "Cost Basis" of that achievement-----this is always noted in the graduation speeches...and maybe the grads know what is being talked about, but surely the parents do...all the sacrifice...all the loans to be paid back...and all the hopes to be realized ...maybe...
The very same thing is present in energy----Do you know what the COST BASIS of a stock your have held ...well....forever...is? It is not enough to say to the IRS that you do not remember....trust me....you do need to know. DITTO for ENERGY ----
What is the cost basis for the first therm of nuclear energy? ANSWER---we do not know yet.
In Difficult Times.....Cut
In difficult corporate times, one of the first categories of expense to be cut is travel and entertainment....the theory is....in times of difficulty....sacrifice is necessary...and then when profits have returned....THAT will be the time to celebrate...and not before.
In some cultures...such as government cultures...this rule is not followed...and the custom of entitlement makes those employed blind to the plight of the general population. Employees feel they are entitled to the perks they have always had...and the paid donuts...and the travel...and all the extras. After all...did not John Maynard Keynes himself say that it was up to government to "fill the gap" during difficult times..and what better gap than donuts could there be??
Thus cutting the budget pertains to others, not themselves....thus...they don't get it when regular folks say "Cut the donuts!!"...Make a note of it.
In review...it does appear from an intense analysis of our own family travel pattern, during the crisis times, there is an intense desire to get away for a break, and rather than travel less.... the numbers appear that we are traveling ....more. So---it is the reverse Travel and Entertainment rule.
If you know someone who has cut....write.
In some cultures...such as government cultures...this rule is not followed...and the custom of entitlement makes those employed blind to the plight of the general population. Employees feel they are entitled to the perks they have always had...and the paid donuts...and the travel...and all the extras. After all...did not John Maynard Keynes himself say that it was up to government to "fill the gap" during difficult times..and what better gap than donuts could there be??
Thus cutting the budget pertains to others, not themselves....thus...they don't get it when regular folks say "Cut the donuts!!"...Make a note of it.
In review...it does appear from an intense analysis of our own family travel pattern, during the crisis times, there is an intense desire to get away for a break, and rather than travel less.... the numbers appear that we are traveling ....more. So---it is the reverse Travel and Entertainment rule.
If you know someone who has cut....write.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Make the Party
Over forty years ago, living the good life with two recent college grads from the University of Minnesota, I learned a lesson I have never forgotton.
We were getting ready for dinner when the phone rang...someone was having a party....address given....
When my roomate got off the phone, I asked:
"Who is going to be at the party? What's the deal?"
Rich just smiled and said:
"You do not understand...we have been invited to a party..and who will be there does not matter...We will make the party....that is what we do."
I never forgot it. When you are a leader, you run at the front of the pack...you set the pace...When you are going to a party, you make the party, you do not just attend and collect status points.
Thanks Rich.
We were getting ready for dinner when the phone rang...someone was having a party....address given....
When my roomate got off the phone, I asked:
"Who is going to be at the party? What's the deal?"
Rich just smiled and said:
"You do not understand...we have been invited to a party..and who will be there does not matter...We will make the party....that is what we do."
I never forgot it. When you are a leader, you run at the front of the pack...you set the pace...When you are going to a party, you make the party, you do not just attend and collect status points.
Thanks Rich.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
