Author: astarthoraolcom
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“The Actuary” or Do You Really Want to Know How to Lead?
I still see him stepping off the puddled curb in front of my office—tall, neatly pressed suit, worn leather briefcase in one hand, a faint sheen of Pacific Northwest drizzle curling his collar. He was an actuary, and anyone who’s met one knows they spend their early professional years locked away under the harsh glare…
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Mastering Horse Racing Bets: Secrets to Success
Ah, we’ve galloped headlong into the Triple Crown Season, folks! Sovereignty strutted his stuff and nabbed the Derby, while Journalism, bless his clumsy hooves, managed to overcome an obstacle course worthy of a circus act to snag the Preakness. I had Journalism pegged as the top dog—er, horse—in both races, and despite his penchant for…
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The Rollercoaster of Life: Risk, Reward, and Lessons for the Young …. Part Three
I just can’t wrap my head around why folks dodge taking risks even when the odds are practically winking at them. Picture this: If they think a team has a 60% chance to win, they’re also aware of that pesky 40% chance of losing. Yet, it’s like the idea of losing throws them into a…
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The Rollercoaster of Life: Risk, Reward, and Lessons for the Young …. Part Two “Probability and Risk”
In part one, I concluded by proposing that a key to success lies in mastering the harsh game of probability and taking risks. Essentially, this means gambling. This idea is fundamental and worth deep reflection. For instance, Webster’s dictionary defines risk-taking as: Engaging in an action that involves danger or risk to accomplish a goal.…
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The Rollercoaster of Life: Risk, Reward, and Lessons for the Young …. Part One or The Brutal Art of Gambling
Life is a wild rollercoaster ride, filled with exciting twists and turns that shape our paths. Yet, many folks are blissfully unaware of this thrilling adventure, stuck in the cozy groove of their everyday lives. By the time they finally realize that life is a bit like a high-stakes game show, it’s often hilariously late…
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From Thrill to Despair: The Changing Face of Horse Racing
Last night at dinner, friends were asking about horse racing, so on this bright and bustling Preakness Day in 2025, I found myself deep in thought, reflecting on the current state of horse racing in America. Once upon a time, I viewed racing through a lens of romanticism, never daring to imagine myself doing anything…
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Ten More Times
I have made the decision to return to writing daily. Why, you ask? Because I’m uncertain how much longer I have the luxury of doing so. At the ripe age of 73, while in admirable health and among the few septuagenarians who remain blissfully free of prescription medications, I find myself pondering the passage of…
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Life Lesson from a 72-Year-Old Retiree
I’m utterly exhausted from all this single-minded focus, driven by emotions rather than intellect! Honestly, don’t just nod along like a bobblehead or shake your head like a maraca merely because someone has a philosophy you deem the bee’s knees. On the flip side, don’t spiral into utter outrage every time someone you usually disagree…
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Missing My Loyal Companion: A Tribute to Prince
Words fall short of capturing his true essence. If only the strength of love could have anchored him here, but now he’s gone. He was never merely an animal to me; he was a steadfast companion whose very presence became a lifeline I perhaps leaned on too heavily. Day and night, he stood loyally by…
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Ben Johnson: The NFL’s Rising Coaching Star
The topic at hand is the NFL coaching carousel, and in particular, the new Bear’s head coach Ben Johnson. As always, I take the opinions of football pundits with a grain of salt. They are often proven wrong by their own predictions, which can be dizzying to keep up with. But why are they so…
Old Man Pondering 