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Karl Kassulke October 29, 2008

Posted by Bob in Life.
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I was saddened to hear about the recent death of Karl Kassulke. Myself and the other wise guise on this blog had perhaps three or four (chance) opportunities to meet with Karl at a local bagel shop. Karl played in the NFL for nine years before a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Football was his game, but life was his passion. From our short and infrequent meetings, I sensed a most kind and gracious man with a generous heart, an infectious laugh, a great sense of humor, and a desire to live life to its fullest. In spite of adversity, he seemed to take each day in stride ever grateful for the gift of life.

 

The Minneapolis Star & Tribune had a nice write-up of Karl:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/33455019.html?page=2&c=y

A Pun About Our Govenment October 10, 2008

Posted by Todd in Humor, Politics.
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I realize that I’m a late adopter and this has probably been running around the internet for a while, but I’m a guy that knows nothing so what can I say?  I discovered this little ditty today from the Dull Men’s Cub.  It’s regarding the discovery of a new chemical element.  Enjoy!

A major research institution (MRI) has recently announced the discovery of the heaviest chemical element yet known to science. The new element has been tentatively named Governmentium. Governmentium has 1 neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 224 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected as it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of governmentium causes one reaction to take over four days to complete when it would normally take less than a second. Governmentium has a normal half-life of three years; it does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, governmentium’s mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause some morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

This characteristic of moron-promotion leads some scientists to speculate that governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as Critical Morass.

Worried About Your Money? October 8, 2008

Posted by Todd in Finance, Life.
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USA Today had an article that summarized the results from the American Pyschological Associations latest survey.  Americans are more worried about their money now than they were 5 months ago.  What a shock.  We are more worried and stressed about food, housing, health care and transportation than we have ever been.  So what are we to do?  A few weeks ago, as the infamous Government Bailout was building steam, I was surfing some of my favorite personal finance blogs.  I came across this short video at “I Will Teach You To Be Rich”.  It’s only about 3 minutes long and worth viewing.

So Ramit Sethi’s response is SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, in his blog about “How To Get Rich” also says to save your money.

Save your money. Save as much money as you possibly can. Every penny you can. Instead of coffee, drink water. Instead of going to McDonalds, eat Mac and Cheese. Cut up your credit cards. If you use a credit card, you dont want to be rich. The first step to getting rich, requires discipline. If you really want to be rich, you need to find the discipline, can you ?

So are these people right?  I think they are.  In the past three years my wife and I have cut up our credit cards, made a budget, worked on paying down debt and saved some money.  We still have a few years to go before we finish paying off all our debt but you know what – we aren’t as stressed about money any more.  What financial author and speaker Dave Ramsey proclaims is right – Act Your Wage! Living on less than you earn is a lot less stressful than living on more than you take in.  Just a thought.

Wisdom from “The Wise One” October 2, 2008

Posted by Todd in Life, Politics, Wisdom.
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The 4 guys (minus one) met as usual last Saturday for our weekly discussion on music, life, theology and everything.  Two of us guys got into a robust discussion on the current financial situation and the infamous $700 billion government bailout.  After a lengthy and healthy debate, we turn to “the Wise One” and both ask; “Oh Wise One, what is your opinion on this current financial situation?”

The great WO puts down his cup of coffee, pauses, then declares:

“It is no longer the love of money that is the root of all evil, it is the love of credit.”

Hail to the WO!