What A Guy

276 years ago, a 26 year old Bostonian transplant, living in Philadelphia
published a helpful calendar and counselor, which he called "Poor Richard's
Almanac." The publication, containing pithy wisdoms like - "Early to bed early to rise
makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise" - or "A penny
saved is a penny earned" - became an instant success in the colonies.

The revenues allowed Benjamin Franklin to retire at age 42. Since golf was not
available in the neighborhood, he squandered his remaining years by discovering
electricity, inventing the lightning rod, the iron stove, bifocals and the glass
harmonica. The next week he developed still-standing theories on meteorology, heat
absorption, electricity, and ocean currents.

In his spare time he founded the first insurance company, fire department, public
hospital, public library, night patrol and first militia. Seeking a break he became
colonial postmaster and civil defense chief for the French and Indian War. Tiring, he
was chief delegate at the Albany conference, which organized the colonies and then
was appointed chief negotiator with the British crown in London.

When negotiations failed, he returned home to help draft, and then pass the
Declaration of Independence. He was then sent to Paris where he won the support of
the French which eventually helped win the Revolution for the colonies. He returned
home and helped draft and again pass the Constitution of the new nation. After that
he did little that was important aside from a few inventions and a couple of immortal
publications.

(From Art Cashin's Morning Comments)

......................................

As a follow up to the 12 Days of Christmas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

9 Predictions for '09 coming tomorrow.........