What difference does it make, at this time?
January 24, 2013 § Leave a comment
Less than a month into 2013, we already have a candidate for the phrase of the year. In her defense of the Benghazi controversy, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commented, “What difference at this time does it make?” I see this having the same cultural impact as the famous Star War line – “I am your father.”
Martin Luther King Day 2013
January 18, 2013 § Leave a comment
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” —– This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.” Martin Luther King
Imagine if Martin Luther King Jr. did not exist. The civil rights movement probably would still be successful, but progress would have been painfully slower. Dr King inspired the nation to act with urgency to correct the injustice. All of us should be thankful for it. This year’s MLK Day is set for Monday January 21. I have prepared a small compilation of inspirational quotes by Martin Luther King for all to enjoy. May all your dreams be realized!
Why Lance Armstrong decided to come out at this time?
January 16, 2013 § Leave a comment
Lance Armstrong’s decision to admit to doping raises more questions than answers. Namely, why does he come out now? While many of us have already convinced that he was using performance-enhancing drugs when he won his Tour de France titles, it remains that he has never failed a drug test. If he decided to keep silence, I am sure there are people who would still believe in his innocence. A closer inspection, however, tells us that his admittance might be a smart and calculated move.
In face of damning testimonies from former teammates, Armstrong’s reputation has already been severely damaged. His sponsors have already pulled their sponsorship of him and possibly of his Livestrong foundation (in the future). His other businesses and financial relationships may have already suffered grave consequences. If he sat idle, his continuing financial being will take a big hit. In admitting to doping now, Armstrong is likely seeking to repair his tarnished reputation.
After all, it has been reported that he will not face perjury or jail time due to the statute of limitation. While he will suffer a temporary financial hit due to various lawsuits, he can easily recoup these losses when his reputation improves, as America is a forgiving country. His abrupt admittance is not as perplexing as some people make it out to be,
How to solve a debt problem?
January 6, 2013 § Leave a comment
First, you print money. If that does not work, print more money. If even that does not work, mint a trillion-dollar coin. For the final act, mint dozens of trillion-dollar coins or exercise the nuclear option (-5% interest rate). I guess it’s nice to have options.
Australian Open 2013
January 4, 2013 § Leave a comment
As an avid fan who loves to play as well as follow tennis, the Australian Open is the unofficial start to the tennis (watching) season. Due to the time differences, I will have to stay up late at night to watch the matches. But that’s OK because I have insomnia and this will give me something to watch in the late hours.
There are a lot of good storylines at this year’s Open such as the emergence of Andy Murray as a formidable force, the dominance of Novak Djokovic & Serene Williams, and the host of future stars in (Men) Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori, Grigor Dimitrov and (Women) Laura Robson, Sloane Stephens, Su Wei Hsien. I am sure there will be plenty of interesting matches to watch over the two weeks.
This year’s Open starts January 14. For people in the U.S. who want to watch the championships, here is the 2013 Australian Open TV Schedule. My picks to win it are Djokovic and Serena Williams.
Good Morning, Mr. Simon 