GBC Member Corresponds with Author of February Book. . . Declared "Not a Kook"

While I don't feel it is conclusive evidence, Paul seems to think this email exchange with an author of a book we read clears him of being labeled a 'kook'. Judge for yourself:

-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Weiss [mailto:garyweiss.email@gmail.com]
Sent: Thu 7/17/2008 2:40 PM
To: Daly, Paul
Subject: Re: So what is an individual investor to do?

Oh, my pleasure. I mostly hear from kooks, so it is nice to hear from
someone such as yourself.

On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 2:40 PM, Daly, Paul wrote:
> No, thank you. Appreciate the insights.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gary Weiss [mailto:garyweiss.email@gmail.com]
> Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:37 PM
> To: Daly, Paul
> Subject: Re: So what is an individual investor to do?
>
> Hi Paul,
>
> Glad you liked the book. Well, you know I do tend to favor index funds
> and index products such as ETFs. I think costs are the main systemic
> issue that you would have to deal with in those products.
>
> So you want products with low costs, such as the Vanguard funds for
> instance, as some index products have surprisingly high fees. ETFs
> (such as Spiders and Diamonds) tend to have low costs as well.
>
> Personally I think the best thing to do is to put new money in index
> products. I'm certainly not suggesting that people dump their existing
> stocks, particularly in this awful market! Besides, it is almost
> impossible to resist the allure of buying individual stocks. I own a
> few myself.
>
> Thanks for writing,
> Gary
>
> On Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 2:26 PM, Daly, Paul <xxxxx> wrote:
>> Gary, I'm most of the way through W.S. v. America. As an
>> attorney who practices in Mercer County, I got my money's worth just reading
>> about the Judges in the intro and the epilogue. Something to chat about and
>> schmooze about.
>>
>> But I flipped to through the remaining few chapters last night
>> and don't see that you really answer the question above.
>>
>> Are index funds the only place for an individual investor?
>> Aren't they subject to many of the same systemic problems you outline
>> in the book?
>>
>> I've been happy with my buy-and-hold, value based, broad
>> portfolio for the past 10 years, but honestly, you've made me question that.
>> (Of course, it is easy to question your strategy in a bear market, I suppose.)
>>
>> Appreciate any reply you care to give.
>>
>> Paul Daly
>

Atheist soldier sues Army for 'unconstitutional' discrimination

Source: (http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/08/atheist.soldier/index.html)
I get really scared when I read articles that talk about Christian dominance and influence in our military. Are we fighting a war based on laws and protecting our country? Or for some god? And if it's for a god, how does that make us any different from religious military extremest?

Attack of the Killer Plush Toys

The kids make their acting debut in this funny spoof!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmBKxUm7tJM

July GBC

The June GBC was at my house, in attendance was Scott M. Ray, Chris, Paul D., Sandeep, and Paul E.

Next GBC will be at Poor Herbies 8:00 on Thursday July 24th. Paul D. suggested this months book: Stormy Weather by Carl Hiaasen. Paul describes it as a quick, fun summer read.

Ireland Rocks

Debbie and I were in Ireland last week and had a great time. We were there during the Lisbon Treaty Vote (which the Irish voted against!). Exciting times when 3.9 million Irish go against 390 million Europeans! I know what you are thinking, and the answer is YES Guinness does taste better in Ireland.

Pools open!

There is no way I'm heading to the Madison pool anytime soon for three very good reasons.
1) The water is freezing
2) My skin is so pale I look dead
3) I've gained a good 20 pounds since last year

June Meeting

The June meeting will be held on June 19th 8:00 at my house 178 Greenwood Ave. If it rains we will meet at Poor Herbie's. I will be serving Guinness and Vodka Tonics (not in the same glass). I didn't make last months meeting, but I heard 6 folks showed up and had a good time. This months book was suggested by Paul E. and is called 1776 by Dave McCullough. George W is at war with those crazy folks over seas! Not what you are thinking.. It's George Washington Vs. King George. Hope to see you there!

May Meeting

Great time was had by all last month. In attendance: Scott M, Chris H, Jeff K, Sandeep K, Paul D

Next months meeting is on Thursday, May 15th 8:00 at Poor Herbie's.
Next months book is Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore suggested by Jeff K Read some of the book on Google.

The Forbidden Kingdom opens this weekend! How can you pass up a Jackie Chan and Jet Li movie?

Speed Racer

What can I say? I'm SOOOO excited to see Speed Racer! Check out this great review on Wired.
I think I'm also going to see this one in IMAX. The technology that went into making this film is amazing.

April GBC

April's book: Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson recommended by Dave Spadea.
Great time was had by all last night. In attendance: Scott M, Chris H, Jeff K, Sandeep K, Paul D

Next months meeting is on Thursday, May 15th 8:00 at Poor Herbie's.
Next months book is Practical Demonkeeping by Christopher Moore suggested by Jeff K Read some of the book on Google.

The Forbidden Kingdom opens this weekend! How can you pass up a Jackie Chan and Jet Li movie?
Speed Racer opens in just 21 days. I'm definitely seeing that one in IMAX!

New Beer's Eve

Today is the 75th anniversary of when Prohibition was lifted and beer was once again legal to drink! Check out this article on CNN 1.5 million barrels of beer were sold in the first 24 hours! Now that's alot of beer.

March GBC

I started working for a company based in Ireland on St. Patricks day... do I need a better excuse to drink a few Guiness this Thursday? I think not!

This month's book: Born Standing Up: A comics life by Steve Martin chosen by Ray
Next book to be chosen by Mike Spadea