Interesting Articles from the Sunday Paper

My dad gave me John Allison's book The Leadership Crisis for Christmas.  One of the first takeaways I got from it is the power in doing what you are good at.  He uses Bill Gates as an example:

"He saw the role of software versus hardware and the capacity of properly designed operating systems to transform the usefulness of computers.  It is said that Gates decided to abandon his role at Microsoft to become focused on philanthropy.  He had unbelievable talent in software, and there is no evidence to date that he is a better than average philanthropist.  No telling what major advances have been lost to humankind because Gates decided no to use his unusual talent.  If he wanted to give his money away, he could have easily found many people who are at least as good in philanthropy as he is, probably better.  Very few individuals have extraordinary talents in multiple fields."

 Then I pop open the paper this morning and see this article by Sandi Doughton of the Seattle Times entitled "After 10 years, few payoffs from Gates' 'Grand Challenges'"  The article reviews Gates' own remarks during the celebration of the 10th anniversary of his global health research initiative.  When you read the article, you can't help but agree with Allison's assessment.  Some of the things Gates and his team were 'naive' (his words) about, seem to be elementary and obvious.

On to the Money section.  Another great article from my favorite, Michelle Singletary explaining the importance of knowing your net worth and useful links on how to calculate it.  The Color of Money - Knowing Your Net Worth ...

And don't forget the 10 Things ... from the Wall Street Journal.  This week was 10 Things You Shouldn't Buy in 2015.

Finally a local article from Keystone Heights (a place I drive through on a regular basis).  A group of visionaries there has started the College of Missionary Aviation to provide affordable flight training to aspiring mission aviators.  They have already had nine planes donated to them!  Their dean comes from Toccoa Falls which was a sister school to my Alma mater - LeTourneau University in Texas which also has a flight program and has trained many missionary and commercial pilots and technicians since 1956.  Check out the article and CMA's website