Breakthroughs

The Hybrid Car Theory of Investing

I am a late adapter. For example, I only just started using my cell phone for just about all my calls, so it is probably not surprising that I haven't ever driven a hybrid car until now. But, I rented one this week--I didn't seek it out; it is all that the people at Hertz had--and I love it. Yes, sure, I like the fact that I am helping to save the environment, but the appeal to an old cheapskate me is the gas mileage. I am getting about 50 miles to the gallon. What has this to do with investing? A lot. More…

Revenge Has Never Felt So Good

I am going to write a check today for $6,000 to cover an expense I was not anticipating, and I got to tell you I don’t feel overly bad. I am buying a new furnace. Now, to be honest, I would rather be spending the money on a baseball signed by the 1961 New York Yankees, a Diebenkorn drawing, or even donating the money. But the furnace which came with the house—and has been nothing but trouble from day one—is shot. It gets colds in New England in the winter and so the new furnace comes today. So why I am not furious? Two reasons. 1. I am finally old enough not to get cranky about things beyond my control. And having a furnace die on me is indeed beyond my control. More…

Basic Distrust in Relationships

I know that most of my blogs are about relationships as they pertain to couples. In the last few postings, I’ve deviated a bit but that’s because I truly believe that relationships with oneself or with one’s extended world also are significant. Not only are they important but I believe they are all interconnected. That having been said, I want to share two incidents that occurred to me recently that had to do with helping strangers and with fear. The incidents More…