Quote of the Day - Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Craigslist Ad from a Marine
CRAIG’S LIST PERSONALS AD To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.
Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m. E.S.T.
I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend’s purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message. First, I’d like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn’t expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan.. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head … isn’t it?! I know it probably wasn’t fun walking back to wherever you’d come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I’m sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again]. After I called your mother or “Momma” as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you’d done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, — on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful! I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go’s, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!] I then threw your wallet into the big pink “pimp mobile” that was parked at the curb …. after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver’s side of the car. Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what ‘s going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA’s office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target. The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.). ;In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you … but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you’ve chosen to pursue in life.. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day!
Thoughtfully yours,
Semper Fi,
Alex
“He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.”
“Think big, think positive, never show any sign of weakness. Always go for the throat. Buy low, sell high. Fear? That’s the other guy’s problem. Nothing you have ever experienced will prepare you for the absolute carnage you are about to witness.”
“Let me give you a tip on a clue to men’s character: the man who damns money has obtained it dishonorably; the man who respects it has earned it.”
“New buy points always develop from this kind of price action. Learn to embrace the corrections”
“Without patience we become the victim of our expectations and only allow ourselves the opportunity to experience disappointment”
The Race at Sunrise
Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion, or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows that it must outrun the slowest gazelle, or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle; when the sun comes up, you had better be running. - African Parable
The True Measure of Success
To be able to carry money without spending it. To be able to bear injustice without retaliating. To be able to do one’s duty when critical eyes watch. To be able to keep at a job until it is finished. To be able to do the work and let others receive the recognition. To be able to accept criticism without letting it whip you. To like those who push you down. To love when hate is all about you. To follow God when others put detour signs in your path. To have a peace of heart and mind because you have given God your best. This is the true measure of success.
“You’re smarter than you think - stop handing your confidence to people you’ve never looked in the eye”
“When you make money in the market, be humble - you took it from someone else - and be vigilant, or they will take it back.”
“Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved.”
“Self-confidence gives you the freedom to make mistakes and cope with failure without feeling that your world has come to an end or that you are worthless.”
“Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself.”