Good Morning:

I think Rodgers and Hammerstein were on the right track in The Sound of Music, when they suggested “Favorite Things” could brighten your mood.  While that’s undoubtedly true, I also find that my mood improves when I encounter Things That Make You Think.  The following have recently done just so:

• Think of all the “Influencers” who shouldn’t?! What a wild world we live in when loquacious, opinionated and often poorly informed influencers are a “news” source.
• In the last week, I sat in on a Q & A session led by Howard Wolf, the President of the Stanford Alumni Association. One of the lines (really just a phrase) he shared will stick with me:  In referring to the traditional pact government has enjoyed with research universities, he called it one of the “…wonders of America!”  Think about how many and how lucky we are!
• Every time I see a big 18-wheeler backing up into loading dock or on a delivery, I think, “How does he do that?”  This learned skill seems like magic to me.
• Here’s a REAL head-scratcher – The FBI has released 3,000,000 documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.  How many more are there?  Do you wonder how many documents they have about you?
• My research years began in 1997, but this likely goes back further – for the past 29 years, the #1 content recommendation has been to publish MORE LOCAL and less national or international news (unless there’s a local angle).  As best I can tell, only a handful have truly gotten the message.
• Even casual Beyond the Horizon readers will know I dutifully read the annual Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder letter.  This year with even more interest since it was Gregory Abel’s first since assuming the reins from Warren Buffett.  A couple of highlights:
• “…we operate a decentralized model with autonomy grounded in deserved trust.”
• “Decisions are made faster, with better knowledge and greater conviction, when they are made by those who are closest to the business and have accountability for its outcomes.”  (Make a poster out of this one!)
• “Protecting our integrity and reputation is a never-ending journey.  You can rest assured that we will remain relentless in this effort.”

If his objective was to convince shareholders Berkshire was in good hands, then I’d say Mission Accomplished.  Better still, these (and many more points in the letter) double as great counsel to any aspiring leader.  Read ‘em again!

• The Olympics are GREAT FUN.  In addition to the spectacle and patriotic zeal, it’s hard not to wonder about things like:  How did Ilia decide to add a fourth rotation to a triple jump?  How does one initially decide to get on a tiny, one-man sled and slide down a chute of ice at 50 mph?  What does one think about the very First Time you ski jump and “fly” 100 meters down a slope?  Egads!
• I promise no politics but … It doesn’t matter if you support or disapprove of the current administration, one thing is certain: we are living in what can easily be argued is the most consequential Presidency since Abraham Lincoln.  Debate all you want about these being positive or negative consequences, but man-on-man, there is a lot of sh*t going on.  Interesting times!
• What-would-it-take-to-get-everyone-to-laugh-more?
• Here’s one to ponder – After finishing reading, follow this hyperlink and check out:  Transhumanism.  I just heard the word and looked it up.  Given the amount of time younger generations are glued to their devices, I don’t believe we’re talking science fiction anymore.  WOW and SER!
• Finally, let me send you on your way with a thinker a bit more lighthearted - Did you know that on New Year’s Eve, the 2,000 tons of confetti that rains down on Times Square is all hand-tossed?  2,000 tons!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all.  Find that four-leaf clover!