Subway Life Lessons: On the Red Line

Random people tend to talk to me on the subway. I'm not sure what it is - Do I look friendly? Am I perceived to be a good audience for unsolicited commentary? A helpful resource? Do I just stand too close to the loonies while waiting for the T?

Last night was no exception, as an imposing, bald, goatee-sporting gent, thoroughly soused - looked like a biker (his words) - sought my help to attack the insurmountable problem of locating the proper train (the Braintree line, being one of two possible options) and befriended me for the trip home.

After at first fearing for my life, in 20 minutes conversing with this chap I learned:

• Life is a f---ing game
• Confidence is key in any situation - business, interviews, first date, etc.
• Learn to play chess when everyone else is playing checkers (metaphorically speaking)
• The market's a funny thing (both job and asset markets)
• Life's all about making money (corollary: do what you love but if you make money doing it then you don't work a day in your life)
• Get into political campaigning to make a lot of money
• His buddies were all good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good people
• Conversations with drunk people are really annoying when you're sober (my own conclusion)
  

To his credit he was friendly, made the long ride back interesting, and was responsible enough to call for a ride and not drive home drunk when he got to his station.

"God has been good to me."

Indeed He has, Amanda. A pretty amazing story. Lincoln would've been proud.

Props to Mean Rachel for the link.

Appreciation

The following is from a post at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity:

On the outside, it looks like graffiti-covered dump.

On the inside, 190 Bowery in Manhattan is a six-story, 72-room, 35,000 square foot single family home that is absolutely gorgeous. It was once the home of Germania Bank and was built in 1898.

Jay Maisel, a well-known photographer, bought the building forty-two years ago for $102,000 and has lived in it since with his wife Linda and daughter Amanda. When he got it, it “was knee-deep in garbage and coated in soot.” He said his parents cried when they found out and that “Every single thing that can come out of a human body has been left on my doorstep. But it was more disgusting than dangerous.”

The slideshow is a collection of eleven beautiful photographs covering every floor of the building. The home is estimated to be worth at least $30 million. There are more photos in this interview with Jay Maisel (interview).