In many cases, I find it very helpful to start fresh from a clean slate. My mother’s strict rules of neatness and cleanliness, or my father’s requirements for order in everything, or some genetic switch someplace on either or both sides of the family tree have resulted in what my wife calls a clear case of OCD. As expected, I am convinced that this need for order is not a disorder (she thought “auditory” as she finished reading that)…

In response to a recent post from Jeff Watson, I said “I don’t believe markets can be accurately predicted. I have not yet seen any evidence that proves me wrong and would appreciate learning from those who have access to such science or methods. Markets are not subject to natural laws. My objective is to lose as little purchasing power over time as possible. I have not found a way to accurately [and consistently] predict even a single future price.”

Rocky Humbert, the legendary speculator and curmudgeon, promptly responded with “I tend to agree with you, but…

I am returning home from sunny California after flying here for an all day meeting. Many years ago I used to imagine business travel to be an exciting and glamorous adventure. These days I try to get as much done via phone conferences as possible. Travel gives me a bit more time to think; and the thought that will not leave me alone recently is a line I read in Franklin’s autobiography during our vacation…

It has been extremely busy both at work and at home recently. The product we are building is expected to become generally available globally at the end of this year. Of course, there are multiple important milestones along the way. The first major milestone consumed the past two months requiring me to spend the last two weeks of it in California. San Francisco area is unique and can be fun but not during business travel…

It feels like a century since my last update. Today was a very special graduation day for me and must be celebrated by a line in the proverbial sand. With over two dozen bids, my 4×8 trailer was sold for $100 to the next slave of manual labor who will certainly get good value for his investment…