TGIF

A long, cold rainy weekend is expected here at the Bunker. Sky has some sheep herding lessons - he doesn't mind pushing the sheep around in the rain. He loves it. The drive to the field is about 66 miles and takes me about an hour and 15 minutes each way, barring traffic SNAFUs. How do I spend the time ?

Listening to mindless babble on the commercial radio ? Nope ... Nein ... Nie ... Non ... No.

Listening to satellite radio in "Gold Mist" - sometimes. I like the channel 4 - the music of the 1940s.

But I prefer to listen to audio courses on CDs produced by the "Teaching Company". See http://www.teach12.com/

I've bought dozens of their courses, listened to them and can say that I've enjoyed almost all. I just finished "Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life" and am now listening to "Great Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt". The courses go on sale a few times a year and the paper catalog they send has fine descriptions so it's easy to pick new titles to buy. Most are offered on sale in the range of $20 to $80 for CDs, depending on how many lectures are in a course. DVDs cost a bit more. Most titles go on sale a couple times a year. I stick to CDs except for art courses for which I always buy DVDs.

For categories, I've tried history, literature, religion, art, music and philosophy. All are good - they really do get college professors to give the lectures who have outstanding teaching ability.

Since I have a background in science, I have not tried any of the titles offered in science and mathematics.

If you have long drives anytime, I recommend these courses as a way to enjoy the time and get something positive out of that time behind the wheel. I've been a bit surprised how much I can listen just driving around town. Those short drives of 10-15 minutes to and from town for errands can give me one lecture (30 minutes) a day.

This is a good way to learn about a field or book that you might never have the time to read. Or find a bit about a book to decide to read it. I've done both. Also, the art courses helped me hugely enjoy my vacation in London last Spring, as I could appreciate the paintings in the National Gallery in London so much more having a bit of knowledge.

Broaden your mind ! Discite ! [That is the Latin imperative command, "Learn ! "]

Actions

Ms. Market continues to party. The Perfect 7s chant seems to be working. Thanks to all who said it - "well done" - great vibes !!! I will reiterate a bit of voodoo this weekend by making another batch of spring rolls.

I continue to monitor the call options book in 1-2-3 Fund and will take profits if and as they hit mental ranges of value. Options are extremely risky, so I don't wait for the last dance to sit down.

Word of the Day

"Malediction" - noun [$10]
Malediction means 1. a curse; 2. the utterance of a curse.
Sentence: Perhaps it's an overstatement that I proffer regular maledictions upon beefers [= big, evil funds], but just marginally.