PATHWAYS IN FINANCIAL SERENDIPITY

Miriam Adelson was born in Israel. She attended the Hebrew Reali School for 12 years in Haifa. She served mandatory army service as a medical officer at Ness Ziona. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, she earned a medical degree from Tel Aviv University School of Medicine.

Adelson became a physician and eventually the chief internist in an emergency room at Tel Aviv's Rokach (Hadassah) Hospital.  After divorcing her first husband, she joined Rockefeller University in 1986 as an associate physician specializing in drug addiction. While there she went on a blind date with a businessman -Sheldon Adelson. They later married in 1991. Her Husband passed in 2021 and Miriam inherited his businesses and estate. Miriam Adelson is today the majority owner of Las Vegas Sands casino and in the process of acquiring the Dallas Mavericks franchise from Mark Cuban. Forbes estimates her as the 42^nd richest person in the world.

The point is - it all started with a blind date.

 

Looking for another interesting romantic story? Here we go.
Julia Flesher Koch met David Koch on a blind date in January 1991. In 1998, Koch told The New York Times that she didn't immediately hit it off with him; but that she was glad she met him because she knew she wouldn't want to go out with him again.  However, the two met again at a party later that year and started dating.  Julia Flesher Koch's fortune comes from inheriting her late husband's 42% stake in Koch Industries, a closely held industrial conglomerate. As of April 2023, Forbes ranked her second among the richest women in the world with a fortune of $59 billion.  Not bad for a reluctant blind date.

Dude!  Financial serendipity is real!

You gotta be willing to go out and meet the unknown. Nothing is promised to us in life. Nothing is promised to them who stay home.

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FINANCIAL SERENDIPITY

Financial Serendipity refers to the occurrence of unexpected beneficial events that lead to financial gain or improved financial well-being. These are basically random appearing "happy accidents" in the financial world that benefit us. The element of surprise and lack of intentional planning are key aspects of financial serendipity. The fortunate encounters are recognizable through personal sagacity.

So. You have to use your individually endowed sagacity in order to encounter a serendipitous fortune.

Jerry Selbee of Evart MI had an undergraduate degree in Math and an MBA.  Jerry owned a convenience store - the Corner Store in Evart. Among other merchandise sold in the store were Michigan lottery tickets. Some tickets were “winners” - winning tickets.  Years later Jerry explained: “People have been conditioned to think it is luck. They don’t look at the structure of games”.

In 2003 Jerry Selbee saw a brochure of a new Michigan lottery game. He read the T&C and realized that statistically a $1 lottery ticket was worth more than $1 on a certain week (known as “roll-down week”). He decided that if he buys a sufficient number of tickets to play, the law of probability will work favorably for him.  It wasn’t the first time he purchased a ticket. Odds are odds. Odds are not a guarantee. 

Jerry relied on his knowledge and wisdom – that was his sagacity.

Before the next lottery cycle he purchased 3,400 Winfall tickets for $3,400.  After counting the winnings his tickets grossed $6,300.  That’s a 46% profit margin. Next cycle he bought lottery tickets for $8,000 and grossed $15,700. (49% profit margin).  

Is that good?  Yes?  Or yes?

The rest is history. The full story was written up and then scripted and made into the movie Jerry & Marge Go Large, released by Paramount, 2022.  Jerry and Marge and their off-springs became millionaires.  My point is – Jerry had the sagacity – knowledge in math and stats. With this knowledge he played the odds – purchased enough tickets (enough winning tickets to win,  lol) – and overcame the lottery odds. In other words was there “luck”? No.  It was not coincidence. It was Engineered Serendipity! That’s what I call it.

Photo of Jerry and Marge on their truck’s tail gate. Courtesy of Paramount.

Engineered Serendipity is the intentional design of environments or systems to escalate the likelihood of serendipitous encounters. It involves creating the conditions that foster unexpected connections and exploration. Brainstorming sessions are most used for serendipity encounters.

Hold it. I must read this last para again. To live by it!

Good Luck?  What good luck?

Christian Bush says in his book, The Serendipity Mindset: “Good luck isn’t just chance – it can be learned and leveraged, and the serendipity mindset explains how you can use serendipity to make your life better at work and at home - everywhere.”

Invoking serendipity requires sagacity. Sagacity is the ability to think and act while using prior acquired knowledge and experience, there is hardly no serendipity without some sagacity. 

There’s Engineered Serendipity in any Financial Serendipity.

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SERENDIPITY IS SMART

Ethan Zuckerman, a director of the Center for Civic Media at MIT, defines engineered serendipity as the idea “…that we can help people come across unexpected but helpful connections at a better than random rate. And in some ways, it’s based on trying to reassess this notion of serendipitous as lucky — to think of serendipitous as smart.”

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FINANCIAL SERENDIPITY BY THE LAW OF THE LAND

THE MAKING OF THE RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD

At its height, in 1911, Standard Oil Co. was the largest petroleum company in the world, and its success made its co-founder and chairman - John D. Rockefeller - among the wealthiest Americans of all time. Rockefeller ran the company as chairman, until his retirement in 1897. Then he remained the major shareholder.

On May 15, 1911, the US Supreme Court upheld the lower court judgment and declared the Standard Oil group to be an "unreasonable" monopoly under the Sherman Antitrust Act, Section II. It ordered Standard Oil to break up into 34 independent companies with different boards of directors. The biggest two of the companies were Standard Oil of New Jersey (which became Exxon) and Standard Oil of New York (which became Mobil).

Standard's president, John D. Rockefeller, owned a quarter of the shares of the resultant companies, and those shares’ values soon doubled in value. Standard Oil, before its breakup due to anti-monopolistic legal reasons was worth at least $1 trillion. Rockefeller emerged from the dissolution as the richest man in the world.  The dissolution of Standard had propelled Rockefeller's personal wealth.

By the time of his death in 1937, Rockefeller's remaining fortune, largely tied up in permanent family trusts, - was estimated at $1.4 billion, while the total national GDP was $92 billion (1.5% of GDP). According to some methods of wealth calculation, Rockefeller's net worth over the last decades of his life would easily place him as the wealthiest known person in recent history. As a percentage of the United States' GDP, no other American fortune—including those of Bill Gates or Elon Musk —would even come close.

Get this – Rockefeller was serendipitously enriched in 1911, by political and legal actions outside himself, outside of his company, and against his choice.

Before I leave Rockefeller, answer this question: is Financial Serendipity the reason that causes the rich to get richer?

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There are many other, unrelated historical examples that illustrate different ways financial serendipity played out:

Windfalls and Discoveries:

• The California Gold Rush (1848-1855): James Marshall’s accidental discovery of gold while building a sawmill sparked a massive migration and economic boom in California. James Wilson Marshall (1810 – 1885) was an American carpenter and a sawmill operator, who on January 24, 1848, reported the finding of gold at Coloma, California, a small settlement on the American River, about 36 miles northeast of Sacramento. His discovery was the impetus for the California Gold Rush. The mill property was owned by John Sutter who employed Marshall to build his mill. The wave of gold seekers turned everyone's attention away from the mill which eventually fell into disrepair and was never used as intended. Neither Marshall nor Sutter ever profited from the gold find.

This discovery sparked the California Gold Rush, transforming the state's economy and creating immense wealth for miners, merchants, and even those who sold shovels and picks.

 

Unforeseen Market Shifts:

• The Dot-com Bubble (1995-2001): While many businesses during the dot-com boom went bust, early investors in internet companies like Google and Amazon reaped immense returns on their initial investments due to the unexpected and rapid growth of the internet.
• The COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-2023): While the pandemic caused widespread economic hardship, some industries like the big pharma industry, the online streaming services, e-commerce as Amazon, and  software companies like Zoom experienced unexpected growth due to changes in consumer behavior during lockdowns. Early investors in these sectors benefited financially.

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A Saga in Omaha

The Warren Buffett's "Mistake" (1962).  Warren Buffett is known as the “Sage of Omaha”.

Buffett's purchase of Berkshire Hathaway (BH), initially intended to acquire an another undervalued company. It turned out to be one of his most successful investments as Berkshire diversified and grew beyond expectations.

 

Imagine buying a beat-up old car, thinking you could flip it for a quick buck. Turns out, the engine's busted, and the whole thing's barely hanging on. That's kinda what happened to Warren Buffett with Berkshire Hathaway back in the day.

 

But here's the twist: instead of ditching the junker, the ever-sagacious Buffett saw potential. He realized the car (or in this case, the BH company) had a cool frame and some decent parts. So, instead of selling it off, he started tinkering.

 

First, he ditched the busted engine (the failing textile business). Then, he used the car's frame (BH) to build something new and awesome. He added all sorts of shiny upgrades: insurance companies, railroads, even candy companies!

Buffett figured out a neat trick with the insurance business. It basically generates a steady stream of cash, like having a built-in gas station for the car. This freed him up to focus on finding even more cool parts (businesses) to add to his collection.

 

By surrounding himself with smart people and letting them handle the day-to-day stuff, Buffett could focus on the big picture. He held onto his "upgraded" car for decades, letting it grow and compound like crazy.

 

In short, while buying Berkshire Hathaway was a bit of a stumble at first, Buffett's willingness to adapt, his sagacious mind and eye saw an opportunity and turned HB into the ultimate investment success story. Who knew a "mistake" could become such a legendary ride?

 

Generational Shifts and Trends:

·       The Rise of Social Media.   The explosive growth of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter created new avenues for advertising and marketing, spawning entire industries and generating considerable wealth for individuals involved in their early development.

We need to differentiate between expected yet random financial events and completely unexpected - Black Swan occurrences.

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Financial Serendipity Requires Sagacity

Remember Warren Buffett the Sage of Omaha?

What is this sagacity?

Think of sagacity as being like your mental superpower.  It's that combo of sharp thinking, seeing things clearly, and making solid choices. You know, like the friend who always gives the best advice or the chess player who can predict your next move (but way cooler).

Serendipity Begets Serendipity.

Sagacity is about understanding stuff on a deeper level, not just the surface. You can sniff out good ideas from bad ones and spot trouble coming from a mile away, all while keeping your head cool and making smart decisions.

Basically, sagacity is what makes you a wise owl, not just a hoot. Carefully planned investments, sound financial management, and risk mitigation are crucial for long-term financial success.  The key skill is to recognize the role of unexpected events and being prepared for them can sometimes help us take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

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Bond. James Bond.  & The Broccolis

Forget martinis for a sec drink, let’s talk about how the Broccolis got their hands on James Bond!  It wasn't just about throwing money around; it was a tale of smarts, guts, and a serious case of Bond-mania.

Picture this: 1959, Albert Cubby Broccoli stumbles upon Ian Fleming's "Casino Royale" and thinks, "Whoa, this would be one heck of a movie!"  He convinces his buddy Harry Saltzman to team up, but studios weren't exactly lining up to fund a secret agent flick.

Here's where the Broccolis get clever: They offer Saltzman a half-share of the film rights in exchange for scoring a studio deal.

Talk about a win-win!

They land Sean Connery to play Bond, seal a million-dollar deal with United Artists, and Baam – "Dr. No" is born, paving the way for future 007 adventures.

Fast forward to today: The Broccolis (no relation to the veggie, by the way) are still very much in the Bond business, with Cubby's daughter Barbara and stepson Michael G. Wilson keeping the franchise going strong.

And let's talk moolah: the Bond films have raked in an estimated revenue of over $7 BILLION worldwide!  Not bad for a gamble on a secret agent with a taste for fast cars and shaken, not stirred, martinis.

So, there you have it! The Broccolis didn't just buy the Bond rights. Cubby Broccoli stumbled unexpectedly upon the novel Casino Royale. Some will call this stumble - coincidence or luck but you and I know better that there is a reason behind the stumble. Broccoli was interested in Ian Fleming’s novels.

Cubby Broccoli gambled.  

Sometime in life you’ve got to gamble.

If you don’t gamble you can’t win.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to re-watch "Goldfinger"...

Photo

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Financial Serendipity: A Black Swan Spawns Financial Opportunities

Financial Serendipity refers to the occurrence of unexpected positive events that significantly impact one's financial situation. It's the happy accident of the financial world, where a “random” stroke of “luck” leads to windfalls, opportunities, or breakthroughs. While not a dependable strategy, it's a fascinating concept with real-life examples throughout history.
Dr. Morton Meyers wrote the book that reviewed serendipity in medical innovations up to 2011. Happy Accidents. Viagra was developed during experiments on medications designed to treat angina. Meyers has dozens of stories like this, in the areas of antibiotics, cancer treatments, cardiovascular therapy and antidepressants.

So what’s a Black Swan?

The black swan theory or theory of black swan events is a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise, has a major effect, and is often inappropriately rationalized after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. The term is based on an ancient saying that presumed black swans did not exist, until they were discovered in Australia in 1697, and it then became reinterpreted to mean an unforeseen and consequential event.

 The year 2020 was the Black Swan year of a sweeping global pandemic.

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Pfizer and Moderna – Post-Modern Example of Financial Serendipity

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the financial performance of big pharma, Pfizer and Moderna. Both companies have seen their stock prices rise significantly since the beginning of the pandemic, and they have generated billions of dollars in revenue from the sale of their mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the financial success of Pfizer and Moderna during the pandemic. One important factor is the high demand for COVID-19 vaccines. Governments around the world were willing to pay high prices for vaccines in order to protect their populations, and this has led to significant revenue for Pfizer and Moderna.

Another factor is the fact that Pfizer and Moderna were able to develop and manufacture their vaccines relatively quickly. This was due in part to the fact that they were able to leverage existing research on mRNA technology. As a result, they were able to get their vaccines to market ahead of many of their competitors, which gave them a first-mover advantage.

The government helps again. Just like in the case of Rockefeller’s Standard Oil.   Pfizer and Moderna have been able to benefit from generous government funding for vaccine development and manufacturing. This funding has helped to reduce their costs and has also helped to mitigate the risks associated with developing new vaccines.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the financial performance of Pfizer and Moderna. Both companies have seen their stock prices rise significantly because of the generated billions of dollars in revenue from the sales of their COVID-19 vaccines.

Pfizer alone generated $35 billion net profits on its COVID-19 related products during 2021 and 2022. BioNTech and Moderna made $20 billion each, while Sinovac pocketed $15 billion.

Dr. Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer net worth went up by $24 million in 2022.

Well, Albert Bourla is a sagacious man.

The financial success of Pfizer and Moderna during the pandemic has also been controversial, with many people arguing that the companies have been charging too much for their vaccines and have not done enough to make them available to people in low- and middle-income countries.

 

The Invention of Post-it Notes (1968).  A classic story.  Spencer Silver, a chemist at 3M Company, developed a weak adhesive that wouldn't damage paper. Despite its initial lack of commercial success, Arthur Fry, a colleague, discovered its usefulness for marking pages in his hymnal. This "happy accident" led to the creation of Post-it Notes, a multi-billion-dollar product that continues to bring revenue to 3M.

The Rise of Google (1998).   While searching for information on the web, Larry Page and Sergey Brin developed a new algorithm that ranked websites based on their relevance. This algorithm, originally called BackRub, became the foundation for Google search engine.  It transformed the way we access information and is still generating immense wealth for its founders and early sagacious investors.

The GameStop Short Squeeze (2021).   A group of retail investors on Reddit, spurred by online discussions, bought shares of GameStop, a struggling video game retailer, heavily shorted by hedge funds. This unexpected buying pressure caused the stock price to skyrocket, leading to massive losses for hedge funds and windfalls for some retail investors.  This was another case of gambling – financial gambling – some won, others lost.

 

There are more examples of how unexpected events can have a profound impact on the financial world. While financial serendipity can be a powerful force, it's important to remember that it's not a reliable strategy for everyone. Building wealth through sound financial planning, hard work, and sagacious investment decisions is the most sustainable path to success.

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JAMES MICHENER – THE SERENDIPITOUS AUTHOR

Financial Serendipity involves a combination of education, “chance” recognition, preparation, and sagacious appreciation when stumbling upon opportunity. Let’s look for a change in how wealth was made in the realms of authorship, book publishing, Broadway musicals and Hollywood production.

James Michener was an American author and historian.  He wrote more than 40 books, many of which were long, fictional family sagas covering the lives of many generations, set geographic locales and incorporating detailed history.

Michener was born in 1907 in Pennsylvania. He later wrote that he did not know who his biological parents were, or exactly when or where he was born.  He was raised as a Quaker by an adoptive mother, Mabel Michener.

Michener graduated from Doylestown High School. He attended Swarthmore College, where he played basketball and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After graduating in 1929, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and history, he traveled and studied at the University of St Andrews in the medieval town of St. Andrews, Scotland, on the coast of the North Sea, for two years. He traveled in Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, and Holland.  According to the back dust cover of his first book !947 edition), For the first time he held papers as an able-bodied seaman in the British merchant navy and sailed in the Mediterranean touching the North Coast of Africa, Sicily and the Balearic Islands. He has lived in sixteen of the forty-eight States and traveled all the forty-nine States.

Michener talked about hoboing (riding freight trains for free) during the Great Depression, (mentioned in the 1998 Great Depression documentary on the History Channel).

Michener became a high school English teacher.  Next, he attended the University of Northern Colorado, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in education. After graduation, he taught at the university.

Michener accepted a Guest Lecturer position at Harvard University, during 1939 to 1940. He left Harvard to work for Macmillan Company Publishers as their social studies education editor. 

Michener enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II.  He was fortunate to have opportunities travelling throughout the South Pacific Ocean on various Navy assignments which he gained because his base commanders mistakenly thought his father was an Admiral (Marc Mitscher – an odd phonetic similarity in names).  His experiences during these travels inspired the stories published in his breakout work Tales of the South Pacific.

Let’s recap. Michener acquired a wide education. As a world traveler and hobo in America and Europe he sure gained unusual life experiences.  He made his way to Harvard (not as a student). Michener began his writing career during WW II, when as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy he was assigned to the South Pacific as a naval historian. By the end of WW II, he thoroughly lived and saw the South Pacific and its innumerable islands, the peoples, and their cultures.

He later turned his notes and impressions into Tales of the South Pacific (1947).  

Cover photo of first edition 1947, owned by author.

The “Tales” was his first book, published when he was age 40.  The book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1948.

Rodgers and Hammerstein adapted the Pulitzer winning book into the hit musical South Pacific, which premiered on Broadway, in New York City, in 1949.  The musical was next adapted into a feature films in 1958 and 2001.

Get this – Michener led a life of consecutive events of imaginative inspiring serendipitous encounters. 

He was curious to acquire an education. In between and subsequently his life was a series of adventures!  One of his later books was titled The World is My Home.

He was a Sagacious man par excellence, all along. He seized life opportunities!  Brilliant enough to be invited to teach at Harvard. Brilliant enough to ditch Harvard.  No wonder that he saw in the Publishing House of McMillan Co a better opportunity than Harvard… So, when he wrote his fictional, a bit romantic, yet historical WW II memoir he had an established publisher in waiting.
Dude. When you have a ready powerful publisher, you end up awarded a Pulitzer Prize and get movie contracts from Hollywood studios.

Serendipity Begets Serendipity!

Not sure yet?

James Michener was riding the post-war wave.  Fresh out of the Navy, Michener penned "Tales" while his memories were still vivid. This timeliness captured a realness that hooked readers. Think of it like catching a story wave just as it's about to crest.

Right publisher, right time.  Like finding the perfect board for the wave, Michener had the publisher who was hungry for war stories. Macmillan pushed the book hard, and Michener actively promoted it, making sure everyone knew about his ride.

From a book to Broadway.  "Tales" wasn't just a bestseller; it became a smash musical and movie. This wasn't just catching a wave, it was like riding it all the way to Hawaii and back, first class! The success brought Michener even more recognition and moolah.

Formula for fortune.  Michener learned from his first success. He went on to research diverse locations, wove history and fiction together, and kept the quality high. This consistency kept his readers hooked and the money flowing.

Michener created a new genre of sound history combined with storytelling.  He was a writing machine, churning out quality novels that often got adapted for the screens. He wrote 40 novels.  Some of them are almost a thousand pages long.

While specific events like the war and the musical were big boosts, his success was like a perfect storm: talent, hard work, smart choices, and a dash of serendipity. He wasn't just catching waves; he was creating them! Sure, James Michener struck gold, but it wasn't all blind luck. Imagine Michener as a surfer, catching the perfect wave of opportunity.

The serendipitous key moments that got him the ride all the way to the financial shore:

Joining the Navy.  Not exactly winning the lottery, but this wasn't random event in a life of a young man. Michener already craved adventure, and the Pacific during WWII gave him a front-row seat to unique cultures and experiences. This became the source of raw material for his first hit, like "Tales of the South Pacific."

It is reported that Michener had a noteworthy net-worth of $80 to 120 million. Depends on the sources I looked at. 

Michener passed in 1997 and is remembered as a great philanthropist.

The New York Times Book Review described him as: “Literary legend James A. Michener was a Renaissance man, adventurous, inquisitive, unpretentious and unassuming, with an encyclopedic mind and a generous heart”.  When a man is that towering, then his net worth is towering too.

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Glauco L Ortolano was born in Americana, Brazil (1959).  He is a poet, a philosopher, and author in Portuguese an English.  He taught in several universities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He considers himself an explorer of the human soul, and travels to seek understanding and enlightenment from other cultures.

Ortolano’s most famous quote is: "Serendipity is the faculty of finding things we did not know we were looking for."   He says that when we die, we will eventually understand the true meaning of this quote.

Financial Serendipity refers to the occurrence of unexpected profitable financial events or outcomes, often through unforeseen circumstances. It's the so-called lucky break in the world of finance - the windfall that catches our sail and propels us forward.

Here are other historical examples, showcasing the diverse ways serendipity can play out:

Market Crashes Trigger Unexpected Fortunes:

• The 1929 Stock Market Crash: While devastating for many, the crash also presented opportunities. Bernard Baruch, a prominent financier, famously advised, "It's time to start buying." He used the panic to acquire undervalued stocks, laying the foundation for his immense wealth.
• The 2008 Financial Crisis: The crisis triggered a wave of bankruptcies, but also birthed companies like Uber and Airbnb, and pushed up Walmart, Home Depot and Amazon, which filled gaps left by struggling incumbents. Their founders, seizing the moment of disruption, built empires on the ashes of the financial meltdown.

 

Unexpected Discoveries and Innovation:

• Edwin Drake's Oil Strike: In 1859, Drake was not searching for oil, he was searching for salt!  His unsuccessful well, however, struck a much more valuable treasure – the first commercially viable oil well in the United States, sparking a boom and transforming industries.

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Accidental Investments in Technology and Unexpected Windfalls.

NVIDIA

Imagine NVIDIA back in the 90s, just trying to sell fancy graphics cards for your game playing pc.  Fast forward three decades later, and everyone's going crazy about this new tech called Artificial Intelligence. Turns out, those fancy graphics cards were perfect for crunching the symbols and numbers most useful for this AI stuff.  That is thanks to their special way of parallel processing - handling multiple tasks at once.

 NVIDIA was founded on April 5, 1993, by Jensen Huang, Chris Malachowsky, and Curtis Priem, with a vision to bring 3D graphics to the gaming and multimedia markets.

The guys at NVIDIA saw an opportunity and said, "hold my beer" while they started making GPUs specifically designed for AI. They even created tools to make it easier for programmers to use these powerful cards for their AI projects. Partnering with big tech companies and researchers just boosted and scaled their success.

 So, how'd this play out for NVIDIA financially?

Let's just say their sales and stock price went up.

 In simple terms, NVIDIA has been on a major roll.

Since going public in 1999, the company value has skyrocketed from just over half a billion dollars to a whopping $1.97 trillion as of today, February 26th, 2024. That's a mind-blowing growth of over 345,000%!

 Think about it this way: if you invested $1,000 in NVIDIA back in 1999, it would be worth roughly $3.5 million today. Now, that's past performance, and future results are never guaranteed, but it sure gives you a sense of their journey.

They became the big name in the AI game, with their GPUs powering everything from self-driving cars to chatbots.

 Now that we understand how NVIDIA is about to become the largest market capitalized company in America, let’s look at the potential of its contributions to AI and AI’s contributions to engineered financial serendipity.

Imagine finding a hidden gem of a stock or stumbling upon the perfect investment opportunity – that's the kind of financial serendipity we're talking about. And guess what? AI is like our secret financial wingman, helping us discover these happy surprises.

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Here's how AI gives our finances a serendipity boost:

Spotting hidden connections in the financial markets.   AI is a data whiz, crunching processing through mountains of information to find hidden links between things. This means AI can unearth unexpected connections between financial products, market trends, and our own situation. Based on this, it can recommend personalized options we might have missed, opening doors to serendipitous finds.

AI may nudge us in the right direction.   Think of AI as a friendly financial advisor, learning our habits and goals. It can then give us personalized nudges, suggesting things we might have overlooked that could lead to happy financial surprises. Recommending financial moves we may consider.

AI can keep us safe from pitfalls.  AI acts like a watchful eye on your finances, analyzing data in real-time to sniff out potential risks. By avoiding bad decisions, AI indirectly creates space for unexpected financial opportunities to blossom.

AI gives us market hints.  While it’s not a flat-out fortune teller…  AI can analyze past data to predict future trends, giving insights that might lead to serendipitous investment decisions or uncovering hidden gems in the market.

In short, AI is a tool, and its effectiveness depends on the data it has and how it's used. But one thing's for sure, AI is now shaking things up in the financial world, making it more fertile ground for those happy financial surprises we all wish.

Financial Serendipity is a concept.  It’s no way a guaranteed strategy.  It highlights the importance of staying open to the avalanche of ever incoming new opportunities towards us. Being open-minded and adaptable is a must.  Accepting with open arms the random occurrences play a role in our financial journey down Wall Street.

Financial Serendipity is a catalyst, it still crucially requires having a solid financial foundation, making informed decisions, and managing risks wisely. Chance encounters are useful for the prepared mind to capitalize on unexpected opportunities when they are encountered.

Engineered Guerrilla Financial Serendipity is a ubiquitous opportunity.  Because serendipity begets serendipity. Because serendipity is in the perceptive mind.

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Notes and Books:

Why do burglars rob the bank? Because that’s where the money is. A case of Main Street sagacity.

I know. I repeated many positions and statements more than once. That’s because you’re are reading my personal notes as I like them and you didn’t pay me royalties…

A Random Walk Down Wall Street.

Deloitte Touche is a world-renowned audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and legal services with approximately 457,000 employees globally.

At Deloitte, John Hagel III was the founder and chairman of the Silicon Valley-based Deloitte Center for the Edge, focusing on identifying emerging business opportunities that are not yet on the CEO’s agenda.

The book Power of Pull shows how to apply its principles to unlock the hidden potential of individuals and organizations, and how to use it as a force for innovative social change and the development of creative talent. 

John Hagel et al. explore how to use the power of “Pull” to enhance productivity of attention and thus enhance serendipity encounters.  Access new sources of information; attract likeminded individuals from around the world; shape serendipity to increase the likelihood of positive chance encounters and form creative environments to drive you and your colleagues to new heights of achievement. Transforming our organizations to adapt to the incoming flow of knowledge.

The Serendipity Mindset by Christian Bush.

Happy Accidents. Serendipity in Modern Medical Breakthroughs. Morton A. Meyers M.D. Arcade Publishing, N.Y. 2011.

Jason Fagone: Jerry and Marge Go Large. Huffington Post. March 18, 2018

Inventology. How We Dream up Things That Change the World by Pagan Kennedy.

Sanda Erdelz researched and wrote about information explorations using the internet.

Mandy Lender, MD, MBA is the author of The Master Attractor and owner of the ATTRACTOME™ .
Mandy Lender and Minna Rozen own the rights to Lender Combinations: Baruch Lender and His Chess Problems.
Before I leave, here is an autographed photo dedicated to me, by the actor Richard Kiel (Jaws) as he was struggling and fighting 007 - Roger Moore. I met Richard Kiel serendipitously.

I ran into Richard Kiel serendipitously.

 

www.mandylender.com  www.mandylender.net  www.lendercombinations.com  www.attractome.com 

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Tags: #engineeredfinancialserendipity #financialserendipity #NVIDIA #DeloitteTouche #WarrenBuffett #JamesMichener #AlbertBourla #Pfizer #Moderna #BerkshireHathaway #MiriamAdelson #JuliaKoch #JerrySelbee #JohnDRockefeller #StandardOil #DallasMaverick #MarkCuban #BlackSwan #JamesBond #AlbertBroccoli #SeanConnery #RichardKiel  #RogerMoore    #MichiganStateLottery

 

LAO TSU AND THE TRANSCENDENTAL SERENDIPITY

 

Here is a quote attributed to Lao Tsu:

When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.

This sagacious advice by the wise Lao Tsu aligns with the concept of Transcendental Serendipity.

Transcendental Serendipity.    What is this high state of perception?  This refers to a state of being where happy coincidences and fortunate discoveries become commonplace. It's not just luck. It’s about being open to possibilities and aligned with the flow of the universe.

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Here's how the Lao Tsu wisdom aligns with transcendental serendipity:

Lack and Desire.    Lao Tsu, in his Tao Te Ching, emphasizes the concept of "wu wei" (- non-action) and living in harmony with the Tao (- the natural order).

When a person feels a lack, it creates desire, which disrupts this harmony.

 

Here's how Lao Tsu's quote fits in:

• ·       I Realize That There's No Lack.   

When I recognized that I already have everything I truly need, the craving for external things diminished. This doesn't mean material possessions are worthless to me, but rather that true fulfillment comes from my inner self - within.

 

• ·       The Whole World Belongs to Me.   

In this state of contentment, I became open to the world's possibilities.  I’m not grasping for things.  I appreciate the beauty and the prosperous opportunities around me. This openness allows for serendipitous experiences to unfold for me.

 

Transcendental Serendipity is not about getting “lucky”.  Elevated Serendipity is about being receptive to abundance. When we are not consumed by lack, we're free to notice the various synchronicities, the unexpected connections, and the helpful people that appear on your path.

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Here's my true to life li’l analogy.  Imagine my cluttered room with many books and journals. It's often hard for me to find anything, and new things just add to the mess. Now, imagine a clean and organized dwelling house (in Feng Shui state as they say).  It will be easy to find what I need, and there's room for new things to come in and be appreciated. 

By letting go of the feeling of lack, I created space in my life for serendipity to expand.

 

I know.   The exact quote might not be directly from the Tao Te Ching. But, the core message, aligns with Lao Tsu's teachings on contentment and living in accordance with the Tao.

You!  Yes you. Have a nice day as I do.

My Tao Te Ching

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Tags: #LaoTsu #transcendentalserendipity #fengshui #TaoTeChing

WALKING THE SERENDIPITY LANE

 

UNDERSTANDING ENGINEERED GUERRILLA SERENDIPITY

 

Here is a glimpse into some thoughts I’ve been walking through lately – almost every day.

It’s my deep dive into Engineered Guerrilla Serendipity by Unleashing the Power of Chance Encounters

Serendipity refers to the phenomenon of stumbling upon fortunate discoveries while not actively seeking them. It's the wonderful surprise of finding something valuable or pleasurable when you least expect it. (It’s real - I once found a $10 bill on the sidewalk. I took it straight to the supermarket and bought groceries).

Classic Examples

Scientific breakthroughs: The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, the invention of the Post-it Note, or the development of X-rays all these resulted from serendipitous events.

Personal connections: Finding a lifelong friend at a random social gathering or meeting a business partner through a chance encounter at the chamber of commerce.

Creative insights: Experiencing a sudden burst of inspiration for a new project or solution while engaged in an unrelated activity.

Engineered Serendipity is the intentional design of environments or systems to increase the likelihood of sagacious serendipitous encounters. It involves creating the conditions that foster unexpected connections and exploration. Brain storming sessions are most commonly used.

Guerrilla Serendipity means serendipitous encounters evoked through mundane daily activities that don’t cost money.  G=ABC (Guerrilla=Anything But Cash).

Engineered Guerrilla Serendipity (EGS) isn't just a fancy term for stumbling upon a twenty-dollar bill on the sidewalk. It's a deliberate dance with chance: a calculated nudge towards unexpected connections and fortunate collisions of ideas. While the concept holds huge potential, navigating its intricacies requires both strategic finesse and playful spontaneity.

There's no map with a "you are here" dot leading straight to Serendipity.

Encountering serendipity is like a winding path, one that unfolds as you explore, embrace detours, and savor the surprise turns.  Realistically we don't manufacture happy accidents; but we can certainly nudge ourselves in the right direction. We can attract happy accidents. (Sadly we attract some of our unhappiness too).

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Let's delve into EGS, exploring its strengths, potential pitfalls, and how to maximize its serendipitous spark.

Strengths Rekindled With a Fresh Perspective.  Here is some of what I’m talking.

First step is – acquiring the mindset that serendipity is real. Serendipity is a common daily experience that can be engineered consciously to manifest.

Serendipitor is the person who makes serendipitous encounters happen. They have an irrevocable and irrepressible spirit of optimism. 

Innovation Playground.   EGS throws open the doors to unconventional networking arenas. Forget stuffy conferences and expensive seminars. Think rather of impromptu book clubs hosted in quirky cafes, flash mobs erupting in bustling plazas, or thematic scavenger hunts (Geocache), weaving through vibrant cityscapes. These playful maneuvers not only spark connections but also unleash a torrent of creative energy, fostering collaborations among folks that might never have met in sterile, traditional settings.

Embraced Openness.   Step outside the predictable routines of daily life and injecting a dose of EGS, we crack open the gates to chance encounters. This isn't about blind hope; it's about strategically placing ourselves in fertile grounds for serendipity in blind dates. Joining a pottery class not just to learn how to mold clay, but also to connect with fellow artists, swap creative ideas, and perhaps stumble upon an unexpected artistic collaboration.

Democratizing the Unexpected.   EGS levels the playing field, tossing aside the velvet ropes surrounding traditional networking circles. Financial constraints no longer act as insurmountable barriers.  You need is a dash of wit, a sprinkle of resourcefulness, and willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Suddenly, the shy introverted student can find their voice amidst a lively book club discussion, and the cash-strapped artist can connect with potential patrons at a street art exhibition.  Yes. Stepping out of our comfort zone.

Serendipity thrives on a foundation of intentionality. Identify the types of connections you seek, the unique skills you can to share, and knowledge you wish to acquire. Then, craft your EGS maneuvers with these goals in mind. Join a coding club if you seek tech-savvy collaborators, or volunteer at a local animal shelter or zoo if you long for a furry friend and a supportive community. Join an on-line virtual serendipity club.  If there is none, create one on Facebook.

Authenticity is the Guiding Star.   The line between playful nudges and manipulative ploys can be blurry. Always remember, EGS thrives on frank genuine connections and mutual value exchange with friends. I approach my encounters with an open heart and a willingness to give as much as you receive. I share my knowledge, or offer my time, and celebrate the successes of others. In this spirit of authenticity, serendipity flourishes.

Scaling the Serendipity Summit.  EGS is a personal dance with chance, but its potential impact can ripple outwards. Document your EGS exploits, share your stories, and inspire others to embrace the unexpected.

Create online communities or host face to face gatherings where serendipity seekers can connect and share their fortuitous encounters. By scaling EGS beyond individual endeavors, we can cultivate a culture of open-mindedness and chance encounters, one unexpected connection at a time.

The serendipitors’ spirit conquers any shade of pessimism.

Engineered Guerrilla Serendipity is a way of life. It’s a playful rebellion against the predictable routine.  It’s a potent tool for forging meaningful connections and igniting unexpected possibilities.

 

THE ENLIGHTENED SERENDIPITOR

Why EGS Rocks.

Playground for Innovation. Ditch the boring routines and explore the world of unexpected connections. Imagine brainstorming with fellow artists at a community knitting class. How about a public speaking club?  I was a member of one for 12 years. You won’t believe the number of friends I made there. Worldwide friends. EGS throws open the doors to creativity and collaboration, all without breaking the bank.

Chance Encounters, Mastered. EGS isn't about aimlessly waiting for lady luck to smile. It's about strategically walking in the serendipity path. Love books? Join a quirky book club and swap stories with fellow bibliophiles. Passionate about sustainability? Volunteer at a local community garden and meet eco-warriors like yourself. The possibilities are endless!

Say that again - The enlightened Serendipitor is Member of the Social Serendipity Club

EGS is open to All, Cash Is Not Required.    EGS is the ultimate equalizer. No fancy suits, no hefty price tags required. Just bring your wit, your touch of resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Suddenly, the shy bookworm can find their voice in a lively discussion, and the broke artist can connect with potential patrons at a free art exhibition.

Wait.  There's More We Can Do.

Don't Just Throw Spaghetti at the Wall.  Prepare yourself by thinking about what you hope to gain from these encounters. Craving tech connections? Hit up that computers hardware builders club. Volunteer at the local volunteer clinic. (I do). Intentionality is the key to making EGS work its magic.  Go to your local library. Pull out the first book on the top shelf next to the window…. What does it tell you? Write and post a book review on Good Reads.

You got your blog. You publish. Your name is indexed on Google. Now launch a second blog. I syndicate six different blogs on six different platforms.

Be Real, Not Phony.  EGS thrives on genuine connections. Ditch the forced networking smiles and let your inner weirdo show. Share your knowledge, offer your time, and celebrate the wins of others. When we're real, serendipity follows us. 

Still not convinced? Go on a blind date.
Still not convinced? Miriam Farbstein was a divorced mother of three. She went on a blind date in NY. The man she dated happened to own a casino house in Las Vegas. What a serendipitous encounter.  Today she ranks the 42^th richest woman in the world. Her name is now Miriam Adelson. There are more like her. Read about them in my other blog post titled Financial Serendipity.

How about Julia Koch. She went on a blind date on January 1991. Today her net worth is estimated at $59 billion.

Serendipity is Magnanimous.  It’s Generous.  Share the gospel of serendipity. Spread it.  Don't hoard your EGS stories like a squirrel with acorns! Share your adventures, document your encounters, post them on your blogs and inspire others to embrace the unexpected. Create online communities, host offline gatherings, and let the serendipity wave roll.

Remember, the most extraordinary and fortunate encounters often happen when you least expect them. Now go forth and embrace the guerrilla serendipity within!

Read that last sentence again.

Share your stories. Here is one of my adventurous flights with a bush pilot running (almost) into the frozen granite wall of Mount McKinley.

The frozen granite wall view from a bush pilot passenger seat.

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   Serendipity

- It's like finding a hidden gem in a thrift store or bumping into your bestie at a random cafe—those happy surprises that make life feel like a movie montage.

- Imagine this: you're strolling through a park, minding your own business, and BAM! You spot a four-leaf clover.  That's serendipity, baby!

- It's the universe winking at you, saying, "Hey, I've got your back."

 

   Engineered Serendipity

Ethan Zuckerman, a director of the Center for Civic Media at MIT, defines engineered serendipity as the idea “…that we can help people come across unexpected but helpful connections at a better than random rate. And in some ways, it’s based on trying to reassess this notion of serendipitous as lucky — to think of serendipitous as smart.”

- This is when you get kinda sneaky and generate opportunities for the magical encounters to happen.

- Set up a party for your friends with the goal of sparking unexpected connections and conversations.

- Design a playground for chance encounters, where the unexpected is always welcome and appreciated.

- Never, Never eat alone. Always share your bread.

- Attend public square demonstrations, political rallies, charitable fund raising events, 

- The best of romance – Whahoo.  Think of those dating apps – harmony, match, tinder, grindr  all of them match you based on your love of hiking, poetry, romance, pizza, tacos, sex and  those co-working spaces that bring together entrepreneurs and artists under one roof.

Become a lifelong Student.    Every day is an opportunity to discover something new. Read widely, delve into podcasts on diverse topics, and attend lectures or workshops that pique your interest.

CURIOSITY

Curiosity is the fuel that propels you towards uncharted territories, where serendipity thrives.

Ask "why" and "how" relentlessly.  Don't settle for surface-level understanding. Question everything, from everyday occurrences to complex ideas. This childlike inquisitiveness can unlock hidden connections and lead you down fascinating rabbit holes, often revealing unexpected treasures.

Collect experiences like souvenirs.   Seek out unique adventures, whether it's attending a local festival, taking a solo trip, or trying a new hobby.

Travel.  Each experience, even if seemingly unrelated, adds a brushstroke to the canvas of your life, creating the potential for serendipitous intersections down the line.

I imagine curiosity as my personal serendipity magnet. The more curious I’m the stronger it gets, pulling unexpected opportunities and connections your way. Here's how:

I’m a knowledge sponge.  I dive into anything that sparks my interest, whether it's a weird science documentary, an AI class, or chatting up a stranger with a cool hat. You never know where hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.

 

I try to be a social butterfly.   Curiosity makes me more approachable, like a human "talk to me" sign. I strike up conversations with strangers, explore online communities, and attend events.

Mark Victor Hansen published - Ask  that book is, as usual for him - a bestseller….   Curiosity is basically a million unanswered questions. Ask them all! You'll see things from new angles, spot hidden connections, and uncover possibilities you never even thought of.

I don't ignore the "hmm...”   Life throws curveballs, sometimes disguised as coincidences. When something catches your eye, even if it seems random, pay attention! It might lead to an amazing discovery or a life-changing connection.

I trust my gut feeling. Sometimes curiosity whispers things that seem illogical. But hey, who needs logic when you can have awesome adventures? Follow your hunches and see where they take you – you might surprise yourself!

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Remember, serendipity is all about being open to the unexpected. So crank up your curiosity, put on your explorer hat, and get ready for some amazing surprises!

Serendipity shows up in all places and all amounts, at all times. Earlier last month I was waiting to board a flight to ORD.  The regional jet was oversold and overweight. The captain required two volunteers to give up their seats. Do that in return for compensation from United.  I volunteered cause I’d sometime to spare. I bought this ticket by using my frequent flyer miles (gratuity by JP Morgan Chase credit card). The bottom line; the next day I arrived to Chicago on a free ride and was paid for it $1000.  I can use it for a first class free flight to LVNV. If I want…

I Know and I Practice the Power of Connections

I recommend that you be connector, not just a collector.

Actively build bridges between people you know. Introduce colleagues with shared interests, connect friends from different social circles, or simply spark conversations between strangers. You never know what connections might blossom, leading to unforeseen collaborations, opportunities, or even friendships.

Practice the art of "weak ties".  Don't underestimate the power of casual acquaintances. Sometimes, serendipity strikes through unexpected encounters with people you might not consider close friends. Be open to conversations with the barista, the person next to you on the bus, or the vendor at the market. You might be surprised by the insights and connections that emerge from these seemingly fleeting interactions.

Never Eat Alone. Never.  Always offer to share your bread with another.

Join communities that ignite you.   Surround yourself with folks who share and augment your passions, whether it's a book club, a volunteer organization, or an online forum. These communities act as fertile ground for cross-pollination of ideas, fostering serendipitous collaborations and discoveries that wouldn't have happened in isolation.

Cultivate the Serendipity Mindset

Befriend chance encounters.

Never. Never dismiss social coincidences as mere luck.  Figure out this question: does the random encounter mean something to you? What does it mean?

Pay attention to recurring themes, seemingly unplanned meetings; or unusual incidents. They might be nudges from the universe, pointing you towards unexplored paths or hidden opportunities.

Celebrate imperfection.   Let go of the need for rigid planning and control. Embrace the messiness of life, the unexpected detours, and the unplanned moments. Often, the most serendipitous discoveries happen when we surrender to the flow and allow ourselves to be surprised.

Keep a Serendipity Journal.       Huh?

Jot down interesting encounters, ideas, or observations throughout your day. Reviewing these entries later can reveal hidden patterns, connections, or serendipitous threads you might have missed initially. It's like creating a treasure map of your own unique journey, highlighting the unexpected gems that life throws your way.

Serendipity is an ongoing adventure, not a destination.

Get used to that!

As you cultivate curiosity, embrace human connections, and adopt a serendipity  mindset, you'll find that the map unfolds itself, revealing delightful surprises and guiding you towards a life filled with wonder and unexpected joy. So, put on your explorer's hat, embrace the unknown, and get ready to be surprised by the magic of serendipity!

The Common Denominator of everything said from the top down to this line – We sell ourselves wherever we are. We are always on sale to the world.

Bottom One Liners to Take Home

- Hug the unexpected moments, because they lead to things amazing.

- It’s cool to create little chaos in your life and watch what happens.

- After all, life's a lot more fun when you make room for surprises.

- Serendipity is an ongoing adventure, not a destination.

Mitad El Mundo. Quito Ecuador.

Do you know what are the Lender Combinations?

Join me next time for Serendipity Adventures on one of my six blogs.

Read my book The Master Attractor.

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Tags: #engineeredguerrillaserendipity  #serendipitylane  #enlightenedserendipitor  #guerrillaserendipity #lendercombinations  

 

The Power of Self-Expression:

A Path to Healing and Creative Flourishment

 

Photo via Pexels

 

Author: Claudia Cruz

 In a world that often demands conformity, finding avenues to express oneself authentically can be not just liberating, but also profoundly healing. Self-expression, the act of conveying one's thoughts, feelings, and identities, serves as a vital bridge between the inner self and the external world. Its benefits are manifold, ranging from reducing stress and anxiety to fostering creativity and enhancing self-confidence.

 

This article hosted by Dr. Mandy Lender delves into the transformative power of self-expression, illuminating how it can boost healing, elevate mood, and catalyze the creative process. Additionally, it explores the burgeoning realm of digital creativity as a modern conduit for self-expression, spotlighting the role of videos, photography, and blogging in the digital landscape.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

At its core, self-expression provides a cathartic release, allowing individuals to externalize emotions that, if bottled up, could lead to increased stress and anxiety. Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music offers a therapeutic outlet, enabling one to process and make sense of their emotions. This form of expression can act as a stress reliever, offering a sense of peace and tranquility in the midst of life's tumult.

Building Self-confidence

Self-expression is inherently linked to self-discovery. As individuals explore different modes of expression, they often encounter aspects of themselves previously unexplored or unacknowledged. This journey of discovery fosters a deeper self-awareness and, consequently, better self-confidence. The act of sharing one's creations with the world, despite fear of judgment, reinforces a sense of self-worth and resilience.

A Mood-Booster

The act of creating something, be it a piece of art, a piece of music, or a written work, can be immensely satisfying. The sense of accomplishment that comes from bringing something new into existence can elevate one's mood and instill a sense of joy and pride. Moreover, engaging in creative endeavors that one is passionate about can lead to a state of flow, where time seems to stand still, and one's worries fade away, further enhancing emotional well-being.

Enhancing Problem-solving Skills

Exploring self-expression encourages lateral thinking and the ability to view problems from multiple perspectives. Whether it's crafting a narrative, composing a song, or designing a piece of art, the creative process necessitates problem-solving. This practice of creative thinking spills over into other areas of life, enhancing one's ability to navigate challenges with innovative solutions.

Encouraging Mindfulness

Self-expression demands presence, drawing one's attention to the here and now. Whether it's through painting, writing, or performing, the act of expressing oneself fully engages the mind and body, encouraging a state of mindfulness. This present-centered awareness fosters a deeper connection with oneself and one's surroundings, promoting a sense of peace and contentment.

Fostering the Creative Process

At its heart, self-expression is the fuel of the creative process. It allows for the exploration of ideas, emotions, and visions that can be transformed into creative works. This exploration is not confined to traditional arts; it encompasses a wide range of activities that reflect individual uniqueness and innovation.

The Rise of Digital Creativity

In the digital age, self-expression has embraced the innovation and versatility of platforms like Adobe Express, transforming the way we engage with digital creativity. Adobe Express, a beacon for digital creators, offers a suite of tools and features that make it simpler and more accessible than ever to express one's creative side. With Adobe Express, creating engaging videos, capturing stunning photographs, and crafting compelling blog posts become seamless endeavors. Below are a few creative ways to enhance your self-expression with the help of Adobe Express:

Videos

Creating videos, whether they are vlogs, tutorials, or artistic films, becomes an even more dynamic way to convey stories, share knowledge, and express emotions with Adobe Express Video Maker. This tool simplifies the video creation process, allowing users to combine visual and auditory elements effortlessly.

Photography

Photography's ability to capture moments, emotions, and perspectives is enhanced with Adobe Express Photo Editor. This tool allows for a deeper visual exploration of one's environment, offering advanced editing features to refine and enhance images.

Blogging

Writing compelling blog posts is made more engaging with Adobe Express Blog Creator. This tool offers a sophisticated platform for articulating thoughts, sharing experiences, and connecting with like-minded individuals. It enriches the blogging experience by providing beautiful design templates and interactive features, fostering a space for reflection, discussion, and the exchange of ideas.

 

The journey of self-expression is a deeply personal and universally relevant endeavor. It is a pathway to healing, a catalyst for creativity, and a means of connecting with others. In the digital age, the opportunities for self-expression are boundless, offering new mediums and platforms for sharing our unique voices. Embracing self-expression, in all its forms, promises not only personal growth and healing but also the enrichment of the collective human experience.

Caludia Cruz is a writer, content creator and digital graphic designer.

Tags: #Claudia Cruz #AdobeExpress #creativeprocess #self-expression #blogging #mindfulness #self-confidence 

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RICHARD COOKE IS TIRED OF WINNING

 

Richard Cooke is Tired of Winning 
- Book Review

One of the blessings of my life is having librarian research assistant. He’s a result-getter. He digs up books on loan from libraries in places that are not on Rand McNally maps. But his real knack is having gotten used to sense what may interest me.

In short Chuck knows what piques my interest. So, I returned after twelve days away and there I find, on my credenza the title “Tired of Winning” by Richard Cooke. Serendipity? Maybe.

Published by Black Inc. Books., (Melbourne, Australia. 2019) written  by the Australian author Richard Cooke, who is considered an expert on American culture and politics.

Cooke is an Aussie journo who's been in the game for over two decades. He's penned articles for some of the country's biggest newspapers and regularly pops up on the telly. Cooke's got a knack for breaking down Aussie and American politics, and his writing is as clear as a sunny day. He's a big believer in independent journalism and has scooped up a stack of awards for his work.  Before I was about to hand the book back I looked inside to see who is it that is tired of winning?

One essay – titled Energy Exchange, Cooke describes the summer of 1968 in Chicago. He quotes an array of journalistic print reports of what has happened. Sometimes in details… Second hand, maybe, third hand… Most reporters or all passed by now.

The gist – if you’re interested – is followed here:

Things got pretty intense in Chicago in the summer of 1968. Thousands of anti-war protesters showed up during the Democratic National Convention to make their voices heard against the Vietnam War. Things took a bad turn when the protests turned violent, and police clashed with the demonstrators. The whole thing was caught on TV, and it really shook up the country.

The violence hurt the Democratic Party, and it's thought to have played a role in Richard Nixon winning the 1968 presidential election. When I arrived in Chicago in 1976 no one remembered the summer of 1968. After the winter of 1977 a new mayor (Michael Bilandic) was in office and four years later Jane Byrne was elected becoming the first woman mayor in Chicago. She cleared the way to the next woman mayor – Carol Mosley Browne - a trail blazer - who went on later to be the first Black woman U.S. Senator from Illinois.

But  Richard Cooke is not interested in gender studies or minority studies in America.

Having done with Richard Nixon, the villain Republican, Cooke brings us to a real time villain – Donald Trump.

2017 to date is a never-ending gift that keeps giving to political journalists and the publishing houses.  The journos write, the publishers print, hard-bound books produced, and there they sell.

Never mind that Trump’s presidency was marked by four years of peace on earth. No inflation in the US.  A vaccine was produced in warped speed.  Putin didn’t dare invade Ukraine again. 

Yet the White House theatrics season was on, and still provides nutritious manna from heaven to political journos. Bob Woodward and Simon & Schuster and them-else keep on releasing political journalism fiction books.

Here Cooke re-litigates the Russian Collusion by Trump & sons. (“A Conspiracy”). Never mind that the Mueller Report evaporated into a black hole in a parallel universe. Mueller who?

Well, it’s evident that Cooke is a visiting Trump hater.

Michiko Kakutani was The New York Times famed book reviewer.   A 2017 article by The New York Times titled "38 Years on Books: The Essential Michiko Kakutani Reader" stated that she "wrote more than 4,000 book reviews" during her tenure at the newspaper. Another source - "Michiko Kakutani: The Power of Criticism" by Jennifer Schuessler, suggests that she penned "an estimated 10,000" reviews.
Richard Cooke has something against Kakutani in this essay -  “Truth Kicks the Bucket”.
You see, journalists make a living from minding other peoples’ business.  When they stop reporting facts and report their opinions about other peoples’ behaviors and beliefs, they’re gossipers for hire.

Classic example The Guardian - is a Marxist leaning British paper - described Carlos Lozada’s from the Washington Post book as, “…analyses 150 often trashy books about someone who is not known to have read a single book and hired stooges to write the 20 self-puffing volumes published in his name.”

Tired of Winning is one more volume in my “Trumpian Bibliotheca”.

MAGA - Richard Cooke - regardless of your splendid cognitive convolutions in print – is still America the great!

I remain grateful to Chuck Gillen III. He who provides me with reads and write fare of esoteric books.

Now the Tired of Winning book goes back to the public library.

 

Mandy Lender during summer time

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Tags: #RichardCooke #TiredofWinning #MAGA #DonaldTrump #CarlosLozada #ChuckGillen #MichikoKakutani #TheNewYorkTimes #CarlosLozada #MichaelBilandic #JaneByrne #CarolMosleyBrowne #MuellerReport #ChuckGillenIII #TheGuardian #TrumpianBibliotheca #RussianCollusion #RichardNixon

MICHAEL CRICHTON CURATED SCHOLARLY MUSINGS

Michael Crichton was an author and filmmaker known for his science fiction, techno-thriller, and medical fiction novels.  He attended Harvard University, where he studied anthropology, zoology and medicine.  He was a gifted writer who combined scientific accuracy with suspenseful storytelling. Crichton’s intellectual powers left a scholarly legacy for intelligent people. Below are some of his curated musings articulated originally by others.

 

What really interests me is whether God has any choice in the creation of the world.

 ~ Albert Einstein

Deep in the chaotic regime, slight changes in structure almost always cause vast changes in behavior. Complex controllable behavior seems precluded.

 ~ Stuart Kaufman

Sequelae are inherently unpredictable.

 ~ Ian Malcolm (Crichton)

The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless.

  ~ Steve Weinberg

The word “cause” is an altar to an unknown god.

 ~ William James

What is not possible is not to choose.

 ~ Jean Paul Sartre