Action Is Magic

I'm a big fan of Marie Forleo, and today I found this video that deals with making decisions when pretty much everything around you sucks. She has great advice -- none of which is preachy -- but it all comes down to three words: action is magic.

Def worth a watch. It's all of five minutes long.

I'm Confused. What Power Do I Need?

Oh, self help books. You are a constant source of comic fodder.

If you need some self help, here are the only two phrases you need, according to me:

Do or do not, there is no try. -- Yoda

Make it work. -- Tim Gunn

If you are a young woman, read He's Just Not That Into You and then never again complain if a guy doesn't call. If he likes you, he'll call.

If you ever want to get married, read Closing The Deal and pay special attention to Chapter Five, which is about emotional maturity. Basically, it says that if you're an emotional spaz, no man will want you, so dry it up and act like a lady.

Dont' you feel better already?

Am I The Only Person Who Doesn't Work In Finance?

Google Finance Charts, originally uploaded by Greg Bernhardt.

I went to a Columbia alumni breakfast this morning (yes, I actually got out of bed at 6:00 a.m.) and I noticed that not only were most of the people there men in suits, but almost everyone worked in finance. They also had vague job titles such as "management consultant" and "derivatives risk analyst." One guy actually used the work "algorithm." Before noon!

I don't know what any of that stuff is. How do people get into that sort of thing? I understand what financial analysts and accountants do, but all these other titles I don't know. I am actually quite curious.

If you are one of these financial people who wear Thomas Pink shirts and get a bonus every year (?!?!), I would like to hear from you. I want to learn more about what the number crunchers and deal makers of the world do.

A new resolution: To become more business and financially literate.

Also: Get out of bed early, more often. It's not so bad.

Bringing A Bottle: We Can All Improve

I Need a Drink, originally uploaded by mayotic.

Holiday hangovers are an occupational hazard of being social, but after doing a little research this weekend I've come to realize that what you're drinking is going to have a profound affect on how you feel the next day. The farther on the spectrum your booze is from, say, ether, the better you are going to feel.

As civilized adults, we know that we do not come to a party empty-handed, especially during the holidays. Someone has cleaned their home and invited you in to have your way with it. The least you can do is bring something acceptable to add to the arsenal.

This weekend I spent part of a party with another guy picking through the assorted bottles that had been brought to a party. True, everyone brought one, but the selections of red wine left a lot to be desired. While California wines can be great, you can't just pick one based on the label or because it was less than $10. Remember, the host is going to put out good stuff in the beginning, but sooner or later you're going to have to drink the crap you brought.

That said, put down the Yellow Tail and try, perhaps, a nice Bordeaux. I recommend anything by Chateu D'Arcins or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. If you insist on being trendy, an Argentinian Malbec, circa 2003 maybe, is always a good choice. I have also been known to like an Italian Super Tuscan. If you're really stumped, grab a bottle of chilled Veuve Cliquot and you're golden.


One Does Not Bring to a Party:
Georgi Vodka
Boxed wine
Wine that comes in a bottle so large it could be considered a jug.
Beer that comes in bottles larger than 8 ounces. (I'm looking at you, 40 ounce.)
Champagne that is from anywhere other than France.
Champagne that is warm
A Pucker product


For Camp Value, The Following Items Are Always Welcome:
Wine coolers, especially Bartles & James
Malibu
Pabst Blue Ribbon

...and to all a good night!