Grasshopper No.1 and No.4 witnessed the "Christmas Train" coming into the station in Plymouth. It brings back memories because I would stand on the "platform" waiting for my dad to come home from World War II. My Grandpa Chalk also arranged for me to ride the switching trains with coal stoked engines and belching steam. It is impressive. There is one fact about trains. They are never on time. This was no exception. No I didn't forget that Tom, Dominic and Tommy were there.
Just a note. The National Football League is not known for outstanding intelligence. How much intelligence is required to throw long, run fast and hit hard. On Sunday, Brian Westbrook for Philadelphia was running for what was an apparent touchdown. He got to the one yard line and fell down on purpose. His team only led by 4 points at the time. By falling down, the clock ran down to the two minute warning and then his quarterback took 3 "knees" because Dallas was out of time outs and the clock kept running. Philadelphia won by 4 points and took all the risk out of winning. I think Brian Westbrook went to Princeton. What the hell is he doing in the league? A thinking football player. Imagine that.
Okay, "its not fair". I got a brochure from my local bank advertising current interest rates that they pay on various accounts. Would you believe that the bank pays you .55% on all savings accounts up to $10,000. Holy cow, it you invest 10K you get the credited with $55 at the end of one year. The same bank issues credit cards to as many people as possible and charges as high as 25% on the unpaid monthly balances. So if you had a $10,000 credit card balance (shame on you for running up that kind of a bill), you would pay $2500 in interest for not paying off your bill. Now let me see! On a savings account, you make $55. On an unpaid charge account you pay $2500. That doesn't seem fair. It feels like an interest rate "warp". Is this a great country or what?
By the way, if your kiddies want to establish good savings habits, they do pay a whopping 1% interest.
The lesson Grasshoppers is that you should always pay credit card bills in full so there is no interest penalty. Secondly, if you have money to invest, don't go to your local bank. They pay lousy rates. Its not fair!
Love,
Dad
Posted by Grasshopper #4 on December 18, 2007 9:31 PM
Tell us more about your dad and WWII. Where did he go and what kind of experiences did he have?
Posted by Grasshopper #4 on December 18, 2007 9:32 PM
If you feel so inclined, tell us more of what your dad did in WWII.